In around 2600BC about 82 Bluestones were brought to the Wiltshire Downs and used to make the first circle of Stonehenge. The Bluestones, weighing up to 4 tons each, were transported on an incredible 240 mile journey over land and sea from the Preseli mountains to their new home.

For many years archaeologists believed that Stonehenge began with a wooden circle, but the idea that the Bluestones were introduced at the initial stage of construction surfaced with the publication of a book entitled The Tome of Seus in 2008, and this theory has been subsequently confirmed by analysis of the findings of an extensive archaeological dig sponsored by the BBC.

The Big Debate Research by archaeologists during the 1980s has revealed that a small number of the Stonehenge stones that originated in Wales were not of spotted dolerite. This has led some people to conclude that the type of stone used to build the inner circle of Stonehenge was of no importance to the builders.

A tremendous debate then developed, largely as a result of this research. On the one hand were those who believed that spotted dolerite was sufficiently important to the Ancient Britons to inspire them to carry so many large stones to the Wiltshire Downs. On the other hand were those who believed that the stones were simply conveniently delivered by an earlier ice age.

This debate was considered and researched by Celtworld in 2001-2002 and the results were discussed in January 2004 by Welsh Historian and Playwright Michael H Phillips, in the DVD "Stonehenge, The Stones are in Your Bones".

Opinion surrounding the controversy was loosely divided between two camps of thought, popularly referred to as the 'Academics' and the 'Realists.' The Academics claimed that the stones were moved directly by the ice was not supported by geological evidence. Geologists who have plotted ice flow say it contained no stones resembling the Bluestones, and never reached the Wiltshire downs anyway.

The Realists suggested that the stones were moved by a massive human effort, which must have spanned many years. The most likely route for the stones would have been down to Milford Haven on the coast, then by boat from port to port, and finally overland again to Wiltshire.

It is likely that some of the stones would have been lost on such a journey and the Realists argued that the numbers would probably have been made up with other stones along the way. The fact that the small number of Welsh stones at Stonehenge that are not of spotted dolerite were all taken from Southern Wales, along the most logical route, supports this idea. Further more, a number of large Bluestones have been found in the natural harbours of the South Wales Coast, as would be expected if they had been lost or abandoned en-route when the movers got into difficulties.

Recent Developments The archaeologists have since quietly changed their minds and now the general consensus amongst those with an interest is that the stones were moved by human effort.

Since embracing the idea that the Bluestones were moved by people, the academic community have finally considered the question; why was the Bluestone so important to the builders of Stonehenge? In 2008 a new dig at Stonehenge, sponsored by BBC Timewatch, reached the conclusion that Stonehenge was built as a healing temple. Unfortunately the reasoning behind the conclusions of their first documentary seem to be as flawed as the old theory that the Bluestones were moved by the ice, resulting in immediate criticism. You can read our 'conclusions on their conclusions' HERE.

The idea that Bluestone was important to the builders of Stonehenge because of its visual resemblance to a starry night time sky has been consistently ignored by academics thus far. This idea was first raised by Celtworld on the Internet in 2000 and later convincingly argued by Bluestone Sculptor Jon Williams in a documentary released in January 2004, and is now the generally accepted view of many interested parties. Celtworld's referance to the spots of spotted dolerite being 'Stars' is now embraced by almost all who now deal in Genuine Preseli Bluestone.

Cosmic Energies During the construction of the outer circle of Stonehenge small pieces of spotted dolerite were buried beneath the giant sarcen stones. The 'Academic' camp suggest that these stones were used as markers, but that would hardly be necessary as the huge foundation holes that were dug first would have provided a more than adequate marking system.

The alternative theory favoured by the 'Realists' is that the Builders believed that spotted dolerite possessed special powers, or energy, and used the small stones to 'charge' the larger sarcen stones above. This way the larger sarcen stones of the outer circle would perhaps behave or function in a similar way to the Bluestones of the earlier inner circle.

Interestingly, a number of modern stone circle builders around the world have used Bluestones for this very purpose.

Identification Since the debate, the term Bluestone has been regularly used by some archaeologists to refer to any type stone found at Stonehenge which appears to have originated in South Wales. This has led to a large amount of so called 'Genuine Bluestone' jewellery and artefacts appearing on the market which are made from stones such as common dolerite, rhyolite and even slate. For help in identifying genuine Preseli Bluestone, or spotted dolerite, see our Identification Page.