Giant Devil’s Arrows Stones Proven to Have Been Moved by Prehistoric Humans from Brimham Rocks
The three giant Devil’s Arrows stones near Boroughbridge, Yorkshire, England, originated from Brimham Rocks, located approximately 18 kilometres away.
This discovery indicates that the stones were transported by prehistoric communities to construct a monument estimated to date from the late Neolithic or early Bronze Age, around 2000 BC.
To determine the origin of the stones, researchers utilised low-impact sampling techniques. Adhesive tape was used to collect microscopic mineral grains from the surface of the stones without damaging the monument.
These grains were then analysed based on the age of the minerals. The comparative results showed a match between the Devil’s Arrows stones and the geological material from Brimham Rocks.
Researchers previously estimated that the stones originated from Plumpton Rocks, which is approximately 13 kilometres from the Devil’s Arrows. However, mineral analysis revealed that the true source was actually Brimham Rocks.
Furthermore, there are other sandstone outcrops located only about five kilometres from the monument. This suggests that prehistoric societies likely chose Brimham Rocks despite the necessity of travelling a longer distance.
Researchers also examined reconstructions of ice movement in the area. The results showed that glaciers could not have carried the stones from Brimham Rocks to the Devil’s Arrows site, strengthening the theory that humans moved the stones.
The Devil’s Arrows are believed to have been erected during the late Neolithic or early Bronze Age, likely around 2000 BC. Each stone weighs approximately 25 tonnes, making their transport a massive undertaking before they were set upright.
The Devil’s Arrows are also situated near several ceremonial sites. There are seven henges from the late Neolithic period—circular earthwork structures—located between the Rivers Swale and Ure.
Researchers plan to conduct excavations at both Brimham Rocks and the Devil’s Arrows area to determine exactly when and how prehistoric societies moved these stones.