Waun Mawn

Waun Mawn is a prehistoric standing stone circle located in Pembrokeshire, Wales. It is situated on the eastern slopes of the Preseli Hills, the source of the bluestones used in the inner circle of Stonehenge.

Description and Significance:

The circle currently consists of six visible standing stones and evidence of others that have likely fallen or been removed. The stones are relatively small, and the circle itself is roughly 17 meters in diameter. Archaeological investigations have suggested that Waun Mawn may have originally contained around 30 to 50 stones.

Its significance lies primarily in its potential connection to Stonehenge. Excavations and analyses have indicated that the bluestones at Waun Mawn are geologically similar to some of those found at Stonehenge. Furthermore, some researchers argue that the diameter of Waun Mawn is nearly identical to that of the ditch that once surrounded Stonehenge. This has led to the hypothesis that Waun Mawn may have been a dismantled predecessor to Stonehenge, and that the bluestones were transported from this location to Salisbury Plain.

Archaeological Investigations:

Archaeological work at Waun Mawn has included surveying, geophysical surveys, and targeted excavations. These investigations have revealed features such as stone holes (sockets where stones once stood), evidence of a platform or leveling of the ground within the circle, and deposits of cremated human remains. Dating of organic materials found at the site suggests that Waun Mawn was constructed around 3000 BC.

Controversy and Ongoing Research:

The interpretation of Waun Mawn as a "proto-Stonehenge" or a direct predecessor of the Wiltshire monument remains a subject of ongoing research and debate within the archaeological community. While the similarities in stone type and diameter are compelling, further evidence is needed to conclusively prove the connection. Alternative interpretations suggest that Waun Mawn may have been a significant site in its own right, and its connection to Stonehenge may be more complex than a simple origin point.