In approaching’ the momentous and deeply interesting subject of
Stonehenge, I considered it best and wisest to collect the thoughts and
opinions of several learned authors on this subject, and submit them to
the reader, who thus will have an opportunity of comparing for himself
the truth and merits of the different theories presented to him for
judgment.
Various explanations of the name “Stonehenge” have been forthcoming; but
the true etymological significance seems to be: A.S. “Stàn,” used as an
adjective, and “henge,” from A.S. “hòn” _i.e._, stone hanging-places,
from the groups of stones resembling a gallows. This was long ago
suggested by Wace, the Anglo-Norman poet, who writes:—
“Stanhengues ont nom en Englois
Pierres pendues en François.”
As to the date of Stonehenge, opinions vary. It is supposed Hecatæus
(500 B.C.) mentioned it as the “Round Temple” (Translation of Extract
from Diodorus Siculus, about B.C. 8).
Hecatæus, the Milesian, and others, have handed down to us the following
story:—“Over against Gaul, in the great ocean stream, is an island not
less in extent than Sicily, stretching towards the north. The
inhabitants are called Hyperboreans, because their abode is more remote
from us than that wind we call Boreas. It is said that the soil is very
rich and fruitful, and the climate so favourable that there are two
harvests in every year. Their fables say that Latona was born in this
island, and on that account they worship Apollo (Apollo would signify the
sun to the Latins) before all other divinities, and celebrate his praise
in daily hymns, conferring the highest honours upon their bards, as being
his priests. There is in this island a magnificent temple to this god,
circular in form, and adorned with many splendid offerings. And there is
also a city sacred to Apollo, inhabited principally by harpers, who in
his temple sing sacred verses to the god, accompanied by the harp, in
honour of his deeds.
“The language of the Hyperboreans is peculiar, and they are singularly
well affected towards the Greeks, and have been so from the most remote
times, especially to those of Athens and Delos. It is even said that
some Greeks have travelled thither, and presented offerings at their
temple inscribed with Grecian characters. They also say that Abaris in
former times went thence to Greece, to renew their ancient friendship
with the Delians. It is related, moreover, that in this island the moon
appears but a short way from the earth, and to have little hills upon it.
Once in nineteen years (and this period is what we call the Great Year)
they say that their god visits the island; and from the Vernal Equinox to
the rising of the Pleiades, all the night through, expresses his
satisfaction at his own exploits by dances and by playing on the harp.
“Both the City and the Temple are presided over by the Boreadœ, the
descendants of Boreas, and they hand down the power in regular succession
in their family.”
The first author who is considered to make unmistakable mention of
Stonehenge is Henry of Huntingdon (twelfth century). In his Chronicle he
speaks of it as the second wonder of England, and calls it Stanenges.
Geoffrey of Monmouth (1138) wrote of it about the same time; he believed
it to have been erected by Aurelius Ambrosius, King of Britain, and
called it Hengist’s Stones. Giraldus Cambrensis, a contemporary of
Geoffrey, also makes mention of it.