Flagstones: New Dating Shows Dorset Site Predates Stonehenge

Archaeological discoveries continue to reshape our understanding of ancient Britain. Recent findings at Flagstones in Dorset challenge the timeline of ceremonial sites. New radiocarbon dating reveals this circular enclosure predates Stonehenge by approximately 300 years, making it potentially Britain's earliest large circular monument. This groundbreaking research by experts from the University of Exeter and Historic England opens new perspectives on prehistoric burial practices and ceremonial traditions. The burial site at Flagstones in Dorset has recently undergone extensive radiocarbon analysis that has yielded remarkable results. Previously believed to date from around 3000 B.C.E. (Before Common Era), new scientific dating methods have established its origin at approximately 3200 B.C.E. This significant revision positions Flagstones as potentially the earliest known large circular enclosure in Britain, predating the first phase of Stonehenge by several centuries. Located along the English Channel, this prehistoric site features a perfectly circular ditched enclosure spanning more than 300 feet in diameter. The distinctive circular formation contains numerous burials and cremations, presenting characteristics that bridge earlier causewayed enclosures and later henge monuments. This unique combination of features has intrigued archaeologists studying Britain's Neolithic period. Susan Greaney, a specialist in Neolithic and Bronze Age monuments from Exeter's department of archaeology and history, emphasizes the site's unusual nature and its chronological significance. The revised dating places Flagstones in an earlier period than initially expected, fundamentally altering our understanding of prehistoric monument development in Britain. The research was published in the journal Antiquity. The proximity between Flagstones and Stonehenge - merely 45 miles northeast - raises fascinating questions about their potential connections. Researchers have observed striking similarities between the first phase of Stonehenge and the Flagstones enclosure, despite their temporal separation. This unexpected parallel suggests possible direct influence between the sites, with Flagstones potentially serving as a prototype for the more famous monument. Flagstones remained hidden until roadwork in the 1980s led to its unexpected discovery. Construction crews building the Dorchester bypass unearthed half of the circular monument, while the remaining portion extends beneath Max Gate, the former residence of acclaimed English author Thomas Hardy. This partial excavation has still provided sufficient material for comprehensive analysis. The radiocarbon analysis examined various artifacts including charcoal, red deer antlers, and human remains found within the site. The presence of human remains confirms Flagstones' primary function as a burial site, though likely with additional ceremonial significance. The site's investigation represents a collaborative effort between academic researchers and Historic England. The redating of Flagstones has broader implications for understanding Britain's prehistoric development. Establishing this circular enclosure as predating Stonehenge challenges conventional narratives about the evolution of ceremonial sites in ancient Britain. Archaeologists must now reconsider the sequence of monument development and cultural practices from the Neolithic period.