Scheduled MonumentsEnglandLong Meg and Her Daughters stone circle, associated cursus and prehistoric enclosure

Long Meg and Her Daughters stone circle, associated cursus and prehistoric enclosure

England
List entry 1007866
Nation
England
Boundary

Scheduled area

© Mapbox · © OpenStreetMap contributors · Boundary data © Historic England (NHLE)

Overview

History & significance

Long Meg and Her Daughters is a Neolithic stone circle situated near Little Salkeld in Cumberland, comprising a ring of around sixty stones with Long Meg itself, a distinctive red sandstone monolith, positioned outside the circle to the south-west. The monument dates to the Neolithic period, with the circle measuring approximately eighty metres in diameter and representing a significant example of prehistoric ritual landscape development in northern England. Associated with the stone circle are the remains of a Neolithic cursus monument and prehistoric enclosure, indicating sustained ritual and domestic use of the site across successive periods of prehistory. The site demonstrates the importance of this locality for ceremonial activity and territorial occupation during the Neolithic and early Bronze Age, and Long Meg itself bears cup-and-ring markings characteristic of prehistoric rock art.

Long Meg and Her Daughters stone circle, associated cursus and prehistoric enclosure is a scheduled monument protected by Historic England under reference 1007866. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Long Meg and Her Daughters stone circle, associated cursus and prehistoric enclosure?

Long Meg and Her Daughters is a Neolithic stone circle situated near Little Salkeld in Cumberland, comprising a ring of around sixty stones with Long Meg itself, a distinctive red sandstone monolith, positioned outside the circle to the south-west. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Historic England (NHLE) under reference 1007866.

Who is responsible for protecting Long Meg and Her Daughters stone circle, associated cursus and prehistoric enclosure?

Long Meg and Her Daughters stone circle, associated cursus and prehistoric enclosure is a Scheduled Ancient Monument, legally protected by Historic England (NHLE) — the body responsible for designating and safeguarding heritage sites in England. The official designation reference is 1007866.

What other scheduled monuments are near Long Meg and Her Daughters stone circle, associated cursus and prehistoric enclosure?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Settlement 100yds (90m) SE of Sceugh Farm (7.9 km), Settlement 1/3 mile (540m) ENE of Brougham Castle (8.6 km), Roman marching camp 450yds (410m) NE of Brovacum (8.6 km).

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