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STONE CIRCLE
A circular or oval setting of spaced, usually freestanding, upright stones. More than one circle may be present, arranged concentrically.
Classifications
Related Terms
| Term | Note |
|---|---|
| HENGE | A circular or sub-circular enclosure of middle to late Neolithic date, defined by a ditch and external bank, usually with one or more entrances. May contain a variety of internal features, including stone and timber settings and hearths. |
| PIT CIRCLE | A circular or sub-circular arrangement of pits usually revealed as cropmarks on aerial photographs. Where excavation has shown the pits contained timber posts use TIMBER CIRCLE. |
| RITUAL ENCLOSURE | An enclosure which appears to have a ritual, rather than a defensive or domestic, function. |
| STANDING STONE | A stone that has been deliberately set upright in the ground. Use only for isolated stones. Otherwise use specific term where known. |
| STONE SETTING | An arrangement of two or more standing stones. Use specific term where known. |
| TIMBER CIRCLE | A circular or oval arrangement of spaced post holes shown by excavation to indicate the former presence of a free-standing setting of upright timbers. Often regarded as a wooden equivalent of the better known stone circles. |
