Conny Waters – AncientPages.com – A recent archaeological discovery has unveiled that a previously assumed solitary standing stone in a Derbyshire Forest is actually part of an extensive prehistoric complex. This includes an ancient stone circle and a ceremonial platform dating back to the early Bronze Age. Excavations conducted by Forestry England and Time Team, with contributions from Bournemouth University (BU) archaeologists, have provided fresh insights into the Farley Moor standing stone.

Credit: Time Team

The stone, which stands two meters tall and half a meter wide, was initially thought to be an isolated monument. However, excavations revealed evidence of a ceremonial platform adjacent to it, with the central stone strategically placed above a natural spring. The team also discovered that five additional stones nearby were once upright, forming either a circle or oval measuring 25 meters by 23 meters. Carbon dating has determined this feature dates back to 1,700 B.C.

Stone circles and henges are among the most prevalent ceremonial monuments from the second and third millennia B.C. The newly identified Farley Moor stone circle is one of 25 such structures found in the Peak District region.

Several pits have been opened as part of the ongoing excavation process. Credit: Time Team

“This discovery is hugely significant and transforms our understanding of the Farley Moor site. What we’ve uncovered is evidence of a much more complex ceremonial landscape, which the original standing stone is part of. The stone platform predates the standing stone itself, suggesting continuous ritual use of this site over hundreds of years, strongly linked to the water and the importance it held for Bronze Age communities,” Dr. Lawrence Shaw, Forestry England’s Lead Historic Environment Advisor and a visiting researcher at BU said in a press release.

We often celebrate our forested landscapes for their natural beauty and ecological significance, yet they also harbour some of England’s most extraordinary historical sites, monuments and stories. The Farley Moor stone circle is one such story and an example of the way the nation’s forests in Forestry England’s care have more to discover than the trees we love. The forests are living archives safeguarding nearly 100,000 known archaeological sites. This is a rich heritage we want to bring alive and connect people to,” Dr. Shaw added.

“It’s a dream come true to get to work on such a significant prehistoric monument. The scale of activity that likely existed in that landscape highlights the impact of Bronze Age ritual life far beyond headline sites like Stonehenge. This project also showcases the value of investigating sites that have been hidden in the nation’s forests for the last few decades and implies a wealth of archaeology still waiting to be explored,” Dr. Derek Pitman, Associate Professor of Archaeology and Anthropology at Bournemouth University, said.

The stone sitting above a natural spring. Credit: Time Team

The site’s location at the head of a water catchment area, feeding into Bentley Brook and ultimately the River Derwent, highlights its profound importance to the Bronze Age communities that once thrived there. These ancient peoples conducted ceremonies in this landscape, making it a place of historical significance.

The forest environment and Forestry England’s dedicated stewardship of Farley Wood have been instrumental in preserving both the stone circle feature and the remaining standing stone. Even though it hasn’t been officially designated as a scheduled monument, Forestry England is committed to managing the site with utmost care to ensure its preservation.

Next summer, an archaeology team plans to return for an extended investigation aimed at closely examining some newly identified stones. This exploration seeks to answer pivotal questions raised by this discovery—such as pinpointing when the site was first established and evaluating the scale of what might be a larger ritual complex.

See also: More Archaeology News

Local archaeology enthusiast George Bird has long posited that these stones could be part of a more extensive monument; his passion prompted an investigation that successfully united a small team of specialists.

By supporting this endeavor, you can help uncover invaluable insights into our shared heritage and deepen our understanding of ancient cultures.

Written by Conny Waters – AncientPages.com Staff Writer