A recent study by scientists from the University of York and Curtin University has provided insights into the transportation of the Devil's Arrows, a prehistoric monument in Yorkshire, England. Dating back approximately 4,500 to 5,000 years, the site consists of three large stones, each weighing around 25 tonnes and standing nearly 23 feet tall. The researchers suggest that these stones were transported from Brimham Rocks, located about 11 miles (18 kilometers) away.
Dr. Jim Leary from the University of York noted, "Sites in southern England and Scotland receive considerable attention, but monuments like the Devil's Arrows have remained comparatively understudied despite their significance." The study indicates that Neolithic communities moved these stones across Yorkshire, contributing to the creation of a sacred landscape.
The Devil's Arrows are positioned across 174 meters on the western outskirts of Boroughbridge and are among the oldest stone structures in the UK. The stones are made of Pennine Basin Millstone Grit, while they stand on Triassic Sherwood Sandstone, raising questions about their origins.
Some experts had previously suggested that the stones were transported by ice-age glaciers, while others believed humans were responsible. Dr. Anthony Clarke, a geochemist at Curtin University, stated, "Our research shows these stones weren't simply taken from the nearest available source – they were deliberately chosen from a challenging landscape 18 kilometers away."
The study also confirmed historical accounts that suggested the site once held at least five stones. In the mid-16th century, Tudor antiquarian John Leland recorded a fourth standing stone, which was later reported missing. Additionally, in 1687, it was noted that locals had broken up a fallen stone for construction purposes. The researchers were able to confirm that a medieval cross in Aldborough is a carved segment of a long-lost Devil's Arrow.
Justin Scully, General Manager for Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal and Brimham Rocks, expressed appreciation for the research, stating, "The Devil's Arrows have inspired stories and sparked curiosity for generations. While the folklore remains a much-loved part of their story, it's wonderful to discover that the real journey of these stones is every bit as extraordinary."
This study sheds light on the significance of the landscape to prehistoric people and their engineering capabilities in moving such massive stones.