Arthur's Stone, Dorstone, Herefordshire
Arthur's Stone, a Neolithic chambered tomb, is over 5,000 years old. Today only the large stones of the inner chamber remain. These were once covered by a long earthen mound. This reconstruction drawing shows what it might have looked like when it was in use. The chamber is formed of nine upright stones, with an enormous capstone, estimated to weigh more than 25 tonnes. The tomb has never been excavated, but similar examples in this region have been found to contain the incomplete skeletal remains of several people, together with flint flakes, arrowheads and pottery. It is unlikely that the monument was built solely as a tomb. It was probably also used as a focus for ritual ceremonies. It is built in an area of summer pastures. Neolithic people may have gathered here on a seasonal basis. Like many prehistoric monuments this tomb has been linked to King Arthur. According to legend, it was here that Arthur slew a giant who left the impression of his elbows on one of the stones as he fell. Find out more.
