Scheduled MonumentsEnglandStone alignment west of Boroughbridge known as the Devil's Arrows, including three standing stones and the setting for a fourth

Stone alignment west of Boroughbridge known as the Devil's Arrows, including three standing stones and the setting for a fourth

England
List entry 1014705
Nation
England
Boundary

Scheduled area

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Overview

History & significance

The Devil's Arrows is a Bronze Age stone alignment situated west of Boroughbridge in North Yorkshire, consisting of three impressive standing stones arranged in a north-south line with evidence of a fourth stone position. The three surviving stones are among the tallest in Britain, each composed of millstone grit and standing approximately 22 feet in height, their massive proportions suggesting considerable labour and logistical organisation in their erection. The alignment dates to the Bronze Age, though the precise chronology remains debated among scholars, and the site has long held significance in local tradition and antiquarian study. The monument represents a remarkable example of Neolithic or Bronze Age ceremonial architecture, its precise original function remaining uncertain though interpretations range from territorial markers to astronomical alignments or ritual gathering places.

Stone alignment west of Boroughbridge known as the Devil's Arrows, including three standing stones and the setting for a fourth is a scheduled monument protected by Historic England under reference 1014705. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Stone alignment west of Boroughbridge known as the Devil's Arrows, including three standing stones and the setting for a fourth?

The Devil's Arrows is a Bronze Age stone alignment situated west of Boroughbridge in North Yorkshire, consisting of three impressive standing stones arranged in a north-south line with evidence of a fourth stone position. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Historic England (NHLE) under reference 1014705.

Who is responsible for protecting Stone alignment west of Boroughbridge known as the Devil's Arrows, including three standing stones and the setting for a fourth?

Stone alignment west of Boroughbridge known as the Devil's Arrows, including three standing stones and the setting for a fourth 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 1014705.

What other scheduled monuments are near Stone alignment west of Boroughbridge known as the Devil's Arrows, including three standing stones and the setting for a fourth?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Site of Roman fort and settlement 400m north of Brickyard Farm (0.5 km), Aldborough Roman town (1.4 km), Aldborough Cross (1.4 km).

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