New Stone Circles on Dartmoor Shed Light on Prehistoric Sacred Landscapes

Two Neolithic stone circles discovered on Dartmoor support theories of a “sacred arc” of ancient monuments.

Discovering Prehistoric Circles on Dartmoor

Two newly identified Neolithic stone circles on Dartmoor, Devon, offer compelling evidence of a “sacred arc” of ceremonial monuments built in the region's rugged uplands. These discoveries, spearheaded by archaeologist and stained glass artist Alan Endacott, enrich the understanding of Dartmoor’s prehistoric significance and its parallels with renowned megalithic sites like Stonehenge.

Alan Endacott (second from left) with dig volunteers at the newly discovered Metheral stone circle on Dartmoor. Photograph: Chris Walpole

The discoveries mark the culmination of Endacott’s decades-long exploration of the moor, a journey that began with his 2007 discovery of the Sittaford Circle, the highest known stone circle in southern England.

"These excavations exceeded expectations and brought new evidence to light," remarked Endacott. "But they’ve also raised more questions about why these structures were built."