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The Age of Stonehenge: Exploring Britain's Stone Circles with Dr. Alan Montgomery

The Age of Stonehenge: Exploring Britain's Stone Circles with Dr. Alan Montgomery


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Can't make this time? A video recording will be sent to all participants after the seminar.

From Cornwall in the south to the northern isles of Scotland, the British Isles boast a vast and varied collection of prehistoric stone monuments. Places of ancient ritual built over many centuries at enormous effort, these dramatic henges and stone circles have inspired myths and legends. They are still the subject of much scholarly debate today. But, with the help of modern archaeology, we are finally beginning to understand the purpose and meaning behind these fascinating sites.

Our seminar will feature famous stone circles such as the iconic Stonehenge, arguably the world’s most recognizable prehistoric structure, and Avebury, with its extensive landscape of ceremonial monuments, including the mysterious Silbury Hill. In addition, our discussion will explore some of the less well-known sites, such as Stanton Drew, one of the largest stone circles in Britain and a place steeped in legend, or Ring of Brodgar, a largely unexcavated henge on a stunning Orkney peninsula. While examining the history, archaeology, and superstition associated with these enigmatic structures, we will also attempt to bust some of the myths that have developed over recent centuries.

Led by a historian and Context guide with a particular interest in the ancient world, this interactive seminar will explore a selection of Britain’s stone circles and henges. Designed to inspire curiosity as well as future travels, participants will come away with an insight into the myth and reality behind these mysterious relics of Britain’s ancient past.

Eager to explore the United Kingdom in person? Our Context Private Tours are available here.

Alan Montgomery was born and raised in Scotland but has spent most of his adult life in London. Having achieved an MA in Art History at Glasgow University, he worked for many years in the art world at both an international auction house and an antique dealer. In recent years he has returned to academia, achieving an MA in Classical Civilisation in 2011, and has recently completed a Ph.D. in which he analyzed eighteenth-century attitudes towards the ancient Roman world. In addition to his work for Context Travel, Alan also writes catalog essays on Contemporary Art for a leading auctioneer. Elected a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland in 2017, his first book, entitled 'Classical Caledonia', was published by Edinburgh University Press in August 2020.

This conversation is suitable for all ages.

90 minutes, including a 30 minute Q&A.

Customer Reviews

Based on 4 reviews
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Stephanie (Silver Spring, US)
Brilliant, as usual!

Dr. Montgomery delivered another one of his amazing presentations -- extensively researched, full of interesting information, beautifully illustrated and charmingly conveyed. Bravo!

L
Leah Audin (Denver, US)
Interesting topic made even more interesting!

People are fascinated by stone circles and to have a conversation with Dr. Montgomery, who has so thoroughly researched them and presents such wonderful graphics, only increases the fascination and drive to see them in person. I very much enjoyed the lecture and learned new things from Dr. Montgomery. Highly recommend.

J
J.E. (Neu-Isenburg, DE)
Very interesting and informative

Alan provided a lot of information about Britain's stone circles and where to see them.

S
Sandra S -- Boston (Saugus, US)
Mystical Journey around England and Scotland's Stone Circles

Stonehenge was but one of the many medieval stone circles which Dr Montgomery displayed and explained. I did not know that there were so many more besides Avebury Henge and Stonehenge. Appreciated the ancient history about the eras at the start. It was interesting to hear about all of the possible methods that were used to create these huge complexes, what were they used for (? ceremonies, burials). The photos were lovely and enhanced the very detailed presentation.

Customer Reviews

Based on 4 reviews
100%
(4)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
S
Stephanie (Silver Spring, US)
Brilliant, as usual!

Dr. Montgomery delivered another one of his amazing presentations -- extensively researched, full of interesting information, beautifully illustrated and charmingly conveyed. Bravo!

L
Leah Audin (Denver, US)
Interesting topic made even more interesting!

People are fascinated by stone circles and to have a conversation with Dr. Montgomery, who has so thoroughly researched them and presents such wonderful graphics, only increases the fascination and drive to see them in person. I very much enjoyed the lecture and learned new things from Dr. Montgomery. Highly recommend.

J
J.E. (Neu-Isenburg, DE)
Very interesting and informative

Alan provided a lot of information about Britain's stone circles and where to see them.

S
Sandra S -- Boston (Saugus, US)
Mystical Journey around England and Scotland's Stone Circles

Stonehenge was but one of the many medieval stone circles which Dr Montgomery displayed and explained. I did not know that there were so many more besides Avebury Henge and Stonehenge. Appreciated the ancient history about the eras at the start. It was interesting to hear about all of the possible methods that were used to create these huge complexes, what were they used for (? ceremonies, burials). The photos were lovely and enhanced the very detailed presentation.