After Dark: Myths, Misdeeds & the Paranormal
Episode: Stonehenge: 10 Strangest Facts
Release Date: June 23, 2025
Hosts: Anthony Delaney and Maddy Pelling
Knowledge Cutoff: October 2023
Introduction
In this captivating episode of After Dark: Myths, Misdeeds & the Paranormal, historians Anthony Delaney and Maddy Pelling delve into the enigmatic world of Stonehenge, uncovering ten of the strangest and most intriguing facts surrounding this prehistoric monument. From ancient executions to modern-day festivals, the duo explores the myriad of myths, legends, and historical tidbits that make Stonehenge a subject of endless fascination.
1. Stonehenge as an Execution Site
[05:05 - 06:31]
Anthony introduces the first intriguing possibility: Stonehenge may have served as an execution site. Maddy elaborates on the earliest written record by Anglo-Saxon priest Henry of Huntington around AD 1130, who referred to Stonehenge as "Stanengus" or "hanging stones." This term could imply that the stones were used for executions, potentially resembling Anglo-Saxon gallows structures. Maddy notes, “...in the Anglo Saxon period, gallows were built with two uprights and a horizontal beam across, which is very much like the stones that we can still see at Stonehenge” (06:27). Supporting this theory, an Anglo-Saxon body with a decapitation mark was discovered at the site, suggesting contemporaneous execution activities.
2. The Druid Connection: Myth vs. Reality
[06:49 - 12:11]
Contrary to popular belief, Stonehenge has no original connections to Druids. Maddy clarifies, “Stonehenge has nothing to do with Druids... until the 18th century” *(06:49). The association stems from William Stucley, an 18th-century antiquary who erroneously attributed the monument to Druids. Despite the historical Druids existing from around 800 BC to 40 BC, long after Stonehenge's construction, Stucley's romanticized views led to widespread misconceptions. Maddy emphasizes, “He is the first person to realize that Stonehenge is aligned with the solstice... But he just attributes it to the Druids” *(07:50). The perpetuation of this myth is evident in the formation of the Ancient Order of Druids in 1781 and the first modern Druidic ceremony at Stonehenge in 1905. A notable moment in the episode is the revelation of a 1908 photograph featuring a young Winston Churchill among Druids at Stonehenge, illustrating the deep-rooted yet fabricated Druidic connections.
3. Replica of Stonehenge in Washington State
[12:11 - 15:38]
The hosts discuss the existence of a full-scale replica of Stonehenge in Washington State, constructed in 1918 by American millionaire and pacifist Sam Hill. Maddy explains that Hill built the replica on the cliffs above the Columbia River as a memorial to World War I, aligning with his belief that Stonehenge was a site of human sacrifice. Anthony reflects on the emotional weight of the replica, stating, “It's really charged just looking at the image” *(14:25). The replica features a complete circle with lintel stones, mirroring Hill's interpretation of Stonehenge's original grandeur. Maddy and Anthony ponder the historical significance and the intersection of British heritage with American landscapes, highlighting the enduring legacy and symbolic importance of Stonehenge.
4. Merlin's Magical Construction
[16:03 - 18:10]
Exploring medieval myths, the hosts tackle the fanciful notion that Merlin, the legendary wizard from Arthurian tales, built Stonehenge. Maddy recounts Geoffrey of Monmouth's 12th-century account, where Merlin purportedly moves stones from Ireland to Salisbury Plain using magic or mathematics to honor fallen nobles. Anthony humorously critiques the myth, saying, “It's bizarre... someone very unexpected in it is... Winston Churchill” *(10:26), though this comment primarily relates to the earlier Churchill anecdote. The discussion underscores the blending of folklore and history, emphasizing the lack of concrete evidence supporting Merlin's involvement while acknowledging the cultural allure of such legends.
5. Christopher Wren's Graffiti at Stonehenge
[21:08 - 23:14]
The episode unveils an unexpected tidbit: renowned architect Sir Christopher Wren, famous for designing St. Paul's Cathedral, may have graffitied Stonehenge. Maddy reveals that stone inscriptions purportedly read "I, Wren," though the authenticity is debated due to the uncommon use of the name "Ian" in the 18th century. She connects this possible graffiti to Wren's fascination with Stonehenge and architectural symmetry, noting, “The diameter of the inner dome of St. Paul's Cathedral... is the same diameter as the inner circle of the monument” *(23:05). This intriguing connection highlights the widespread influence and inspiration Stonehenge has exerted on notable historical figures.
6. Stonehenge as a Dahlia Exhibition Venue
[32:02 - 34:04]
Maddy introduces a surprising fact: in the mid-19th century, Stonehenge served as a venue for dahlia flower exhibitions. The Salisbury Plain Dahlia Society held its inaugural show in Sidestonehenge in 1842, attracting nearly 10,000 attendees. Anthony humorously muses about historians in the future pondering Stonehenge’s purpose, “...a garden center” *(33:10). Maddy describes elaborate floral displays featuring life-size models made of dahlias, integrating Victorian horticultural interests with the ancient monument. This event underscores the versatile cultural significance of Stonehenge across different eras.
7. Frederick Harrison's Victorian Time Capsule
[34:08 - 36:42]
Delving into Victorian ingenuity, the hosts discuss Frederick Harrison’s 1877 initiative to bury a time capsule beneath Stonehenge. Titled “A Pompeii for the 29th Century,” Harrison aimed to preserve artifacts for future generations, anticipating a potential human extinction. The proposed contents included miniature warships, trains, women’s fashion guides, phonograph recordings of opera, and specimens of endangered species like foxes and elephants. Maddy expresses both fascination and concern over the practicality and potential archaeological disruption, saying, “Can you imagine the stones just sort of collapsing... destructive archaeology?” *(35:13). This endeavor reflects the Victorian era’s blend of optimism and foresight regarding technological and societal advancements.
8. The Stonehenge Free Festival and the Battle of the Beanfield
[36:42 - 38:53]
The episode transitions to the 20th century, detailing the Stonehenge Free Festival held annually from 1974 to 1984. Maddy recounts the festival’s peak in 1984, attracting 30,000 attendees who engaged in countercultural activities, including drug use and Druidic rituals. The festival's chaotic finale in 1985, known as the Battle of the Beanfield, occurred when 1,300 police officers clashed with festival-goers attempting to protect Stonehenge from unauthorized gatherings. Anthony remarks on Stonehenge’s multifaceted identity, “...it just fulfills so many functions for so many people” *(38:53). This conflict highlights the ongoing struggle between secular authorities and alternative cultural movements seeking to imbue ancient sites with contemporary spiritual significance.
9. The Bluestones’ Musicality and Literary Connections
[26:17 - 28:16]
Maddy revisits the unique property of Stonehenge’s bluestones, which emit musical tones when struck. She connects this phenomenon to cultural representations, such as Thomas Hardy's Tess of the d'Urbervilles, where Stonehenge symbolizes a primal and pagan force within a modernizing world. Maddy reads a passage from Hardy's novel: “...the wind playing upon the edifice produced a booming tune like the note of some gigantic one-stringed harp” *(27:39). Anthony appreciates the poetic imagery, reinforcing the ethereal and enduring allure of Stonehenge as a muse for literature and art.
10. Alien Theories and Modern Speculations
[30:28 - 32:15]
Addressing contemporary myths, the hosts discuss the popular yet unfounded theory that extraterrestrials built Stonehenge, popularized by Erich Von Daniken's Chariots of the Gods? Despite dismissing these claims on the podcast, Anthony humorously acknowledges the allure of alien conspiracies, “...you can have your green alien made Stonehenge theory and knock yourself out” *(31:32). Maddy firmly states her skepticism, while Anthony remains open to the possibility of extraterrestrial life, emphasizing the cultural persistence of such theories despite lacking evidence.
Conclusion
Anthony concludes the episode by reflecting on the tangible history of Stonehenge versus the layered myths that surround it. He expresses a newfound appreciation for the monument's authentic archaeological significance over its embellished legends. Maddy concurs, hinting at a deeper understanding of Stonehenge's historical and cultural impact. The episode wraps up with an invitation for listeners to engage and suggest future topics, maintaining the hosts' personable and approachable dynamic.
Notable Quotes
- Maddy Pelling (05:14): “...buildings were built with two uprights and a horizontal beam across, which is very much like the stones that we can still see at Stonehenge.”
- Maddy Pelling (07:50): “He is the first person to realize that Stonehenge is aligned with the solstice. So he does get some things right.”
- Maddy Pelling (21:25): “I do not believe that Stonehenge has been built by aliens.”
- Maddy Pelling (26:17): “...they make a sound... the church bells were made out of bluestone.”
- Anthony Delaney (38:53): “...it just fulfills so many functions for so many people.”
- Anthony Delaney (33:10): “In another 5,000 years time, there will be historians on whatever the podcast thing is then. And they'll be going, actually, it's really weird because we don't know for sure, but, like, it looks like it might have been a flower centre or garden.”
Final Thoughts
This episode of After Dark masterfully intertwines historical facts with the rich tapestry of myths that have evolved around Stonehenge. Anthony and Maddy provide listeners with a nuanced understanding of how this ancient monument continues to inspire awe, speculation, and diverse cultural expressions across centuries. Whether debunking long-held myths or unveiling lesser-known facts, the hosts ensure that Stonehenge remains as enigmatic and compelling as ever.