Documentary looks at the ‘Mysteries of Stonehenge’

Solid as a rock…

There are certain places in the world that hold a powerful grip over the collective imagination. Places where mysteries and myths abound.

In a new Channel 4 series Mysteries of Stonehenge explores the strange and unknown details of three iconic sites and phenomena, starting with Stonehenge.

Featuring a combination of the latest archaeology, cultural history and medieval mythology, the feature-length documentary, airing tomorrow, takes an extensive look at Stonehenge’s origins and mysterious history.

From tales of Merlin to African giants in Ireland, it traces how prehistoric peoples harnessed the power of the sun to make profound statements about the cycle of life and death – and how these have been adopted by druids and solstice-goers today.

More recent history features St Pauls and Christopher Wren, the Stonehenge Free Festival, the Battle of the Beanfield, theories of alien landing strips, and the recent stunning revelation that one of the Stonehenge’s most sacred stones may have originated over 1000 kilometres away on Orkney.

Mysteries of Stonehenge, Channel 4, Sunday 6 pm