Scheduled MonumentsEnglandShap Stone Alignment

Shap Stone Alignment

England
List entry 1011637
Nation
England
Boundary

Scheduled area

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

Overview

History & significance

Shap Stone Alignment is a Neolithic or Bronze Age ceremonial monument located in Westmorland in the Lake District. The site consists of a line of standing stones, originally forming an avenue or processional way that extends across the moorland landscape, though several stones have been lost or moved over time. The alignment dates from the prehistoric period, likely between the Neolithic and Bronze Age, and represents an important example of ritual monument construction in upland northern England. Its precise original function remains subject to scholarly interpretation, though such alignments typically served ceremonial or astronomical purposes associated with prehistoric communities' ritual and social practices.

Shap Stone Alignment is a scheduled monument protected by Historic England under reference 1011637. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Shap Stone Alignment?

Shap Stone Alignment is a Neolithic or Bronze Age ceremonial monument located in Westmorland in the Lake District. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Historic England (NHLE) under reference 1011637.

Who is responsible for protecting Shap Stone Alignment?

Shap Stone Alignment 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 1011637.

What other scheduled monuments are near Shap Stone Alignment?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Round cairn 670m north-east of summit of Long Scar Pike (4.3 km), Round cairn 35m east of summit of Long Scar Pike (4.4 km), Round cairn 30m east of Wicker Street Roman Road (4.6 km).

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