Ring of Brodgar, Orkney, United Kingdom

The Ring Of Brodgar Stone Circle And Henge, which is part of The Heart of Neolithic Orkney World Heritage Site, is a spectacular stone circle. The ring is surrounded by a large circular ditch or henge. The truly circular layout of the ring is an unusual attribute that singles it out as one of the largest and finest stone circles in the British Isles. The Ring of Brodgar (alternative spelling Brogar) comprises a massive ceremonial enclosure and stone circle probably dating from between 2500 and 2000 BC. Around it are at least 13 prehistoric burial mounds and a stone setting (2500-1500 BC). The erecting of the stones, along with the massive rock cut ditch was an activity that required considerable manpower and organisation.

References:

Historic Scotland

User Reviews

Joseph Kincaid (14 months ago)
Paths have been closed off for winter to allow the ground to recover from summer visitors. Still able to get round but not up close unless you ignore restrictions. A car park is across the road with interpretive boards and it is a short uphill walk to the site.

Drew Richardson (15 months ago)
What an amazing place. It's a magical setting. We visited in September when it was sunny, warm and peaceful. Free to visit too.

gerard gatens (15 months ago)
A wonderful experience. So much history. Well maintained and a must see

Aimee Haynes (16 months ago)
An air of mystery and magic surrounds these stones standing stark against the majestic wild landscape of Orkney. The boards and information fill your head with images of giants and transformation and, in the right light, these faceless stones come to life. Beautiful area, friendly and helpful Rangers, plenty of parking, marked walks of differing lengths, and (as always) stunning views.

Craig Patterson (22 months ago)
wrap up for the wind. Its completely exposed but that does just add to the feel and aura of the place. Great views, magnificent rocks and a wonderful experience. All free, good car park now too. Nice laid out route. Hopefully be good when the Ness dig is done too

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Photo from Flickr, copyright Mr Phil Price

Historic Site of the week

Caerleon Roman Amphitheatre

Built around AD 90 to entertain the legionaries stationed at the fort of Caerleon (Isca), the impressive amphitheatre was the Roman equivalent of today’s multiplex cinema. Wooden benches provided seating for up to 6,000 spectators, who would gather to watch bloodthirsty displays featuring gladiatorial combat and exotic wild animals.

Long after the Romans left, the amphitheatre took on a new life in Arthurian legend. Geoffrey of Monmouth, the somewhat imaginative 12th-century scholar, wrote in his History of the Kings of Britain that Arthur was crowned in Caerleon and that the ruined amphitheatre was actually the remains of King Arthur’s Round Table.

Today it is the most complete Roman amphitheatre in Britain.

Do you know an ancient castle or magnificent church near you?

Why not share it with other people interested in history? You can add your own historic sites and attractions to SpottingHistory.com.

It's absolutely free, easy, and doesn't even need registration!

Upload data

Ring of Brodgar

Address

Details

More Information

Rating

Interesting Sites Nearby

User Reviews

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

House of the Dragon Filming Locations

Historic Landmarks of Sicily

Rhodes, The Island of Knights

Historic Site of the week

Caerleon Roman Amphitheatre

Looks like you are a history fan!