Emily Chan
An analysis of the timber structures showed that their construction began around 3730 to 3660 B.C., and they stopped being used around 3640 to 3600 B.C.
Since the Castlerigg stone circle resembles many of the Irish examples, Dickinson estimates that its construction falls somewhere during an early Neolithic date.
If his theory is correct, it would mean that the Sanctuary was erected around 700 years before the first parts of Stonehenge were built, which took place around 3000 to 2900 B.C.
The early works at Stonehenge included the digging of a circular ditch and banks, as well as some strategic stacking of small stones.
The purpose of stone circles in Britain and Ireland is a subject that is often debated among researchers, but most seem to think that the structures were used in rituals or ceremonies.
Some believe Castlerigg is linked to the creation and distribution of stone axes since three of them were found in or near the stone circle.
