Scheduled MonumentsScotlandStenness, stone circle and henge
Bronze Age · Stone circle and henge

Stenness, stone circle and henge

Scotland
HES SM90285
Period
Bronze Age
Site type
Stone circle and henge
Nation
Scotland
Boundary

Scheduled area

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Overview

History & significance

Stenness is a Bronze Age stone circle and henge monument located in Orkney, Scotland. The site comprises a circular arrangement of standing stones set within a substantial earthwork bank and ditch, characteristic of henges constructed during the Neolithic and Bronze Age periods. Four tall stones remain standing, the tallest reaching approximately 6 metres in height, though the monument originally contained more uprights. Stenness is situated near the settlement of Skara Brae and forms part of the significant concentration of prehistoric ritual monuments in the Orkney islands, reflecting the region's importance as a ceremonial and communal gathering place during the later prehistoric period.

Stenness, stone circle and henge is a scheduled monument protected by Historic Environment Scotland under reference SM90285. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Stenness, stone circle and henge?

Stenness is a Bronze Age stone circle and henge monument located in Orkney, Scotland. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Historic Environment Scotland under reference SM90285.

What period does Stenness, stone circle and henge date from?

Stenness, stone circle and henge dates from the bronze age period, and is classified as a stone circle and henge. It is one of over 32,000 scheduled monuments protected across Britain.

Who is responsible for protecting Stenness, stone circle and henge?

Stenness, stone circle and henge is a Scheduled Ancient Monument, legally protected by Historic Environment Scotland — the body responsible for designating and safeguarding heritage sites in Scotland. The official designation reference is SM90285.

What other scheduled monuments are near Stenness, stone circle and henge?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Little Barnhouse, mound, 160m NE of (0.9 km), Diamond Cottage,defended promontory N of (2.5 km), Knowe of Onston,or Unstan,chambered cairn (2.5 km).

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