Support for theory that Stonehenge was ‘a Lourdes’

ARCHAEOLOGISTS yesterday moved a step closer to solving the mystery of Stonehenge when they disclosed findings to support their theory that it was a prehistoric Lourdes.

The findings suggesting its significance as a healing centre for pilgrims came in a historic dig at the World Heritage Site from March 31 to April 1.

The first excavation for more than 40 years uncovered fragments of stone that could have been used as lucky charms.

Professors Tim Darvill and Geoffrey Wainwright yesterday gave their preliminary findings of the two-week dig.

They said they could now pinpoint the date at which the blue stones — which the archaeologists believe hold the key to Stonehenge — were brought to the site in Wiltshire from west Wales, as 2,300BC, which was 300 years later than previously thought.

They also told a press conference at the Society of Antiquaries in London that Stonehenge could have been a “multifunctional” monument but that the healing motive took on most significance when the blue stones were positioned there.

Prof Darvill said: “It could have been a temple at the same time as it was a healing centre, just as Lourdes is still a religious centre.”

Prof Darvill suggested the blue stones could have acted in a similar way to the bones of saints. As pilgrims flock to see the relic the resulting wealth enables an “elaborate shell” to be built around it.