• Ancient history in the Cotswolds ∙ The Rollright Stones

    We set off on a crisp January morning, the air biting with a frosty chill. Our destination: The Rollright Stones, a collection of ancient megalithic monuments on the Oxfordshire-Warwickshire border.

    Driving from Moreton-in-Marsh towards Chipping Norton with the beautiful Cotswold countryside covered in a blanket of thick white frost, we parked by the sign to the site of the stones, walked through the gate on the side of the road and were surprised to find the King’s Men stone circle right next to the road. Hidden only by a thin line of trees, they were almost invisible until we were right next to them.

    Immersed in the ancient site

    This impressive arrangement of weathered boulders is mesmerising and impressive. You can get right up close and personal, walk around each individual stone, make friends with the resident robins, and fully enjoy being immersed in the history of this ancient site.  

    A solitary giant

    Then we crossed the road to find The King Stone, a solitary giant, standing imposingly and fenced off for protection. The views from both locations were breathtaking – the rolling hills of the Cotswolds, on this day blanketed in a pristine layer of frost and shimmering in the winter sun, would look different in other kinds of weather but would always be wonderful in its outstanding natural beauty.

    Thousands of years of history

    The Rollright Stones span approximately 5,500 years of history, encompassing Neolithic and Bronze Age periods. The oldest, the Whispering Knights, date back to the early Neolithic era (c. 3,800-3,500 BC), while the King’s Men stone circle is later Neolithic (c. 2,500 BC). The single King Stone is the youngest, belonging to the early to middle Bronze Age (c. 1,500 BC).

    These majestic stones, formed from Jurassic oolitic limestone, are a testament to the ingenuity and perseverance of our ancestors. Their presence adds a touch of magic to the already enchanting Cotswold landscape.

    The land-right of Hrolla

    The origin of the name “Rollright” remains somewhat shrouded in mystery. One theory suggests it derives from Old English, meaning “the land-right of Hrolla.” Another interpretation connects it to an older Celtic origin, possibly referring to a “groove or steep valley” near a “wheel arena” – the stone circle itself.

    One for the must-visit list

    Whether you’re a history buff or simply looking for a unique experience in the Cotswolds, we highly recommend a visit to the Rollright Stones. The site is accessible year-round, including for stargazing at night (it’s a designated Dark Skies Discovery Site), and it is truly one to put on your must-visit list when you’re visiting the Cotswolds.