Devil's Arrows stones hauled 11 miles from Brimham Rocks
New research traces the 25-tonne stones of Britain's tallest prehistoric stone row to Brimham Rocks, 18 kilometers away, revealing a deliberate choice of
Ancient builders transported colossal 25-tonne stones over 18 kilometers to construct the Devil's Arrows, Britain's tallest surviving prehistoric stone row. A study led by Curtin University has for the first time pinpointed the geological source of the stones to Brimham Rocks in North Yorkshire.
The three towering stones, located near Boroughbridge, rise as high as seven meters. Researchers believe they were erected during the Late Neolithic or Early Bronze Age, possibly around 2000 BC. The new findings challenge the previous assumption that the stones were sourced from the closer Plumpton Rocks.
A Deliberate Choice of Landscape
Lead author Dr. Anthony Clarke from Curtin University stated that the discovery reveals the decisions behind prehistoric monument building. "Our these stones weren't simply taken from the nearest available source -- they were deliberately chosen from a challenging landscape 18 kilometers away," he said. Each stone weighs more than 25 tonnes, equivalent to 55,000 pounds.
Moving them would have required immense planning and skill. Dr. Clarke argues this indicates prehistoric people placed real importance on the landscape itself. The location the stones came from likely held cultural, symbolic, or spiritual meaning for them. Convenience was not the primary concern.
Co-author Dr. Jim Leary from the University of York said the results change how researchers interpret these ancient projects. "These results show that ancient communities were making deliberate and meaningful choices about where their stones came from," Dr. Leary noted. The effort highlights shared belief systems and the significance of the landscape.
Mineral Fingerprints Identify the Source
To determine the origin, researchers used a novel, low-impact sampling technique. They applied adhesive tape to collect tiny mineral grains from the stones without causing damage. By analyzing the age "fingerprints" of these grains and comparing them to samples from potential sources, the team matched the Devil's Arrows definitively to Brimham Rocks.
This evidence also ruled out natural explanations like glacial movement. The enormous stones were intentionally moved by people. The technique offers a new way to investigate other standing stones with unknown origins.
Future Research and Local Significance
Dr. Clarke said the team plans to use their non-invasive method on other monuments and conduct targeted excavations at both the Devil's Arrows and Brimham Rocks. These steps could clarify when the stones were moved and how the monuments were built.
Justin Scully, National Trust General Manager for the area, said the findings establish a direct link between two distinctive Yorkshire landscapes. He expressed gratitude to the researchers for uncovering a new chapter in the stones' story, deepening understanding of the people who shaped the landscape millennia ago. The Devil's Arrows remain deeply cherished by local communities.
The study, "Deliberate Prehistoric Sourcing of the Devil's Arrows, Britain's Tallest Stone Row," was led by Curtin University in collaboration with the University of York.
