Researchers have demonstrated that 25-tonne prehistoric stones in Yorkshire were deliberately transported 11 miles across land by Neolithic builders, settling a longstanding debate about their origin.
Geological analysis using isotopic “fingerprinting” of microscopic minerals proved the Devil’s Arrow stones came from Brimham Rocks, North Yorkshire, rather than local sources or glacial deposits. Scientists also confirmed a missing fourth stone exists as a carved segment in Aldborough’s Battle Cross monument.
The three surviving pillars near Boroughbridge are Britain’s tallest standing stone row, exceeding Stonehenge stones in height. Dr Jim Leary stated: “Neolithic communities moved several 25-tonne stones 18km across Yorkshire, transforming a familiar site into an epic quest.”
Dr Anthony Clarke explained: “We used high-resolution isotopic testing of microscopic zircon and apatite minerals to trace their exact geological birthplace.”
The research was published in Proceedings of the Royal Society A.
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Source: University of York
Journal: Proceedings of the Royal Society A