UNITED KINGDOM: DRUIDS AND NEW AGE REVELLERS GIVEN PERMISSION TO CELEBRATE THE SUMMER SOLSTICE AT STONEHENGE FOR THE FIRST TIME IN MORE THAN 10 YEARS
Record ID:
338329
UNITED KINGDOM: DRUIDS AND NEW AGE REVELLERS GIVEN PERMISSION TO CELEBRATE THE SUMMER SOLSTICE AT STONEHENGE FOR THE FIRST TIME IN MORE THAN 10 YEARS
- Title: UNITED KINGDOM: DRUIDS AND NEW AGE REVELLERS GIVEN PERMISSION TO CELEBRATE THE SUMMER SOLSTICE AT STONEHENGE FOR THE FIRST TIME IN MORE THAN 10 YEARS
- Date: 18th June 2000
- Summary: STONEHENGE, NEAR AMESBURY, WILTSHIRE, ENGLAND (JUNE 16, 2000) (REUTERS) 1. SMV SUN POISED ON PEAK OF A GIANT STONE 0.06 2. WIDE OF STONEHENGE IN EARLY MORNING MIST WITH SUN SITTING ON HIGHEST STONE 0.12 3. SLV MONOLITHS AT STONEHENGE THROUGH WHICH SUN RISES AT SUMMER SOLSTICE (3 SHOTS) 0.25 4. SLV OF EARLY MORNING SUN ABOVE INNER CIRCLE OF STONES 0.37 5. SCU (SOUNDBITE)(English) CLEWS EVERARD DIRECTOR OF STONEHENGE FOR THE ENGLISH TRUST SAYING: "There are lots and lots of different theories of what Stonehenge could be ranging from a prehistoric calendar to observatory. What we do know is that the axis of the sun and the mid-summer sun rising actually falls and goes straight through the centre of the stones over the Heel Stone, and that it was clearly significant and that the way that the sun moves and the way that the stones are laid out- each gap represents a calendar month as the sun moves around." 1.08 6. PANORAMIC VIEW INSIDE CIRCLE OF STONES BEGINNING AND ENDING ON THE POINT WHERE THE SUN WILL RISE DURING THE SOLSTICE 1.28 7. SLV, INDIVIDUAL SEGMENTS OF THE CIRCLE OF STONES (2 SHOTS) 1.39 8. TV , WEST- FACING VIEW INSIDE STONE CIRCLE 1.50 9. SCU (SOUNDBITE) (English) MATTHEW Mc CABE MEMBER OF ORDER OF BARDS, OVATES, AND DRUIDS SAYING: "The idea of sacred place is key to druidry. And for most Druids, Stonehenge is one of the most sacred places - in this landscape around here, nestling as it does in the centre with its observational horizons. It's an absolutely magical place." 2.08 10. SCU (SOUNDBITE) (English) HENRIETTA LILLEY MEMBER OF ORDER OF DRUIDS, OVATES, AND BARDS SAYING: "It has a very special atmosphere of its own - it's quite charged up. I think the energy which is contained within the stones does build and it feels good and you feel good you are in touch with the land and you are in touch with the stones - it just feels good." 2.25 11. SLV LINE OF DRUIDS WAITING TO ENTER STONEHENGE FOR THEIR CEREMONY 2.29 12. SLV DRUIDS ENTERING STONEHENGE AND GESTURING TO THE SUN 2.34 13. SLV DRUIDS CARRYING PAGAN CROSSES PARADING AROUND STONEHENGE 2.45 14. SMV PROCESSION OF DRUIDS 2.51 15. VARIOUS, HIGH DRUID WORSHIPPING AND CHANTING AT EASTERN FACE OF STONEHENGE (2 SHOTS) 3.03 16. WIDE OF ENTIRE GROUP OF AROUND 100 DRUIDS CHANTING 3.08 17. SMV FACES OF DRUIDS AS THEY CHANT (3 SHOTS) 3.18 18. SMV DRUIDS HUGGING EACH OTHER 3.22 19. SLV DRUIDS LEAVING STONEHENGE (2 SHOTS) 3.31 20. SLV DRUIDS WALKING DOWN HILL PAST MOTORWAY WHICH RUNS PAST STONEHENGE 3.38 Initials Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved
- Embargoed: 3rd July 2000 13:00
- Keywords:
- Location: STONEHENGE, SALISBURY PLAIN, NEAR AMESBURY, WILTSHIRE, ENGLAND, UNITED KINGDOM
- City:
- Country: United Kingdom
- Reuters ID: LVA46FOB0G9TEBFPZN9QCBZCAVXM
- Story Text: For the first time in more than a decade, thousands of
druids, new age revellers and tourists are expected to share
in the mystical aura of England's Stonehenge during the
solstice celebrations.
The turning of England's season begins when the
midsummer sun rises directly over Stonehenge's Heel stone.
At midwinter, the sun rises over a stone on the opposite
side of the circle.
The site has been shrouded in mystery for centuries.
Perhaps most intriguing of all is why these huge stones
were ever erected in Salisbury Plain. Was it meant to be a
temple? Was is a burial ground or even a calendar?
"There are lots and lots of different theories of what
Stonehenge could be ranging from a prehistoric calendar to
observatory. What we do know is that the axis of the sun and
the mid-summer sun rising actually falls and goes straight
through the centre of the stones over the Heel Stone, and that
it was clearly significant and that the way that the sun moves
and the way that the stones are laid out - each gap represents
a calendar month as the sun moves around," said Clews Everard,
Director of Stonehenge for the English Trust.
The site is thought to date back to about 3100BC, when it
was little more than a ditch and a circle of round holes cut
into the chalk. Cremated human bones have been excavated from
the site.
It was abandoned soon after, and left untouched for more
than 1,000 years.
Another mystery is where these huge stones come from. Some
experts believe bluestones from the Preseli Hills in southwest
Wales were heaved 240 miles on sleds and boats to the
Wiltshire site in about 2150BC.
By 2000BC, sarsen stones were erected, with the largest
weighing in at 50 tonnes. Modern calculations show that it
would have taken 500 men to pull one stone.
Within 150 years, the bluestones were rearranged in the
horseshoe and circle seen today. Originally, there were 60
stones in the circle but many have since crumbled.
Almost the only common belief among Stonehenge scholars is
that the stones are aligned with both the winter and summer
solstices.
Another commonly shared belief amongst bards and druids is
that Stonehenge has a unique atmosphere.
"The idea of sacred place is key to druidry. And for most
Druids, Stonehenge is one of the most sacred places- in this
landscape around here, nestling as it does in the centre with
its observational horizons. Its an absolutely magical place,"
said Matthew McCabe, member of the order of Bards, Ovates and
Druids.
"It has a very special atmosphere of its own- its quite
charged up. I think the energy which is contained within the
stones does build and it feels good and you feel good you are
in touch with the land and you are in touch with the stones -
it just feels good," said Henrietta Lilley, member of the
Order of Druids, Ovates and Bards.
For decades, tourists, pagan worshippers and new age
revellers have been attracted to this site. Some came out of
curiosity, others were seeking a sacred and mystical
experience and others just came to join the druids and bards
in their yearly solstice celebrations.
But in 1985, English Heritage banned the celebrations
which sparked anger amongst many of its regular visitors.
Clashes broke out between the police and visitors who had made
spiritual pilgrimages and demanded free access to Stonehenge
to perform religious rites.
Seven hundred people were arrested and the showdown became
known as the Battle of the Beanfield.
Since then, English Heritage had allowed only limited
access to the standing stones. Visitors were normally kept
well back from the formation.
But this year, the site will be open to all and thousands
are expected to join hands to celebrate the northern
hemisphere's longest day of the year from Tuesday (June 20)
evening to Wednesday morning.
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