Name: Mayburgh Henge
Rating: 5.0

Mayburgh Henge

Southwaite Green Cottages, Eamont Bridge, Penrith CA10 2BY, UK

1-99 Years

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Description

Mayburgh is a large and impressive Neolithic henge. Its banks stand up to three metres high, constructed of pebbles collected from the nearby river. Near the centre is a single standing stone. Old drawings suggest that it was one of a group here, with two more pairs standing at either entrance, but they have since been removed.

Despite being situated close to the motorway, the impressive prehistoric monument of Mayburgh Henge can be a remarkably peaceful place. Once you pass through the entrance into the henge on the east side, the reason the entrance position is clear: the central area, almost 325 feet (100 metres) in diameter, is surrounded by an enormous bank, composed of river pebbles and now crowned in places by trees.

Free Entry. If you are looking for Best place for day out with kids and families then this is the perfect destination offering fun, adventure, and unforgettable memories for everyone.

Features

Free
Host birthday parties: No

Features

History of Mayburgh Henge: Despite being situated close to the motorway, the impressive prehistoric monument of Mayburgh Henge can be a remarkably peaceful place.
Once you pass through the entrance into the henge on the east side, the reason the entrance position is clear: the central area, almost 325 feet (100 metres) in diameter, is surrounded by an enormous bank, composed of river pebbles and now crowned in places by trees.
Some parts of the roughly circular bank are almost 10 feet (3 metres) high, creating a vast enclosed space.
Although the henge is within 1.25 miles (2km) of the centre of Penrith and within a few hundred yards of the neighbouring monument of King Arthur’s Round Table, this mysterious monument has remained largely undisturbed.
Unusually for a site of this type there is no surrounding ditch, while the bank is extremely tall. Slightly north-west of the centre is a single large standing stone, just short of 10 feet (3 metres) high. Originally seven others accompanied this: three more in the centre, forming a square with the fourth, and two pairs flanking the entrance. The other stones were recorded as standing in the 18th century. It is thought that they may have been removed to provide building material for either Penrith Castle or Eamont Bridge, although there is no real evidence to support this suggestion.
Legend has it that the labourers responsible were cursed for their act of desecration, one going mad and another hanging himself.
Mayburgh Henge probably dates to the end of the Neolithic period or the beginning of the Bronze Age, about 4,500 years ago. The function of such large monuments is not fully understood, although it is thought that they played a role in social or ritual activities, perhaps involving trade or astronomical observations.
Excavations: Over the centuries several artefacts have been discovered within the vicinity of the henge, including a bronze axe, a stone axe and a flint arrowhead, but these shed little light on its probable use.
Modern Celebrations: As part of the millennium celebrations in the year 2000 a large stone monolith was erected nearby, intended to acknowledge the past, present and future importance of the monument.

Facilities

Parking: There is car parking available in Eamont Bridge, a short walk from the henge.
Food & Drinks: Brougham Castle has a small café, gift shop.
Toilets: Brougham Castle has toilet facilities.
Dogs: Dogs on leads are welcome unless livestock is present.

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Price

Price: Free

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: No

Open any reasonable time during daylight hours.

Address: Southwaite Green Cottages, Eamont Bridge, Penrith CA10 2BY, UK

Post Code: CA10 2BY

Council: Westmorland and Furn

County: Cumbria

Road Access: 1 mile south of Penrith off A6.
Bus Access: Stagecoach service 108; Reay’s/Grand Prix/Kirby Lonsdale Coach Hire services 106; Alba service 111 (Tue only) and Fellrunner services 132 (Fri only) & 562 (Tue only) then very short walk.
Train Access: Penrith 1 1⁄2 miles.
Bicycle Access: Find this site on The National Cycle Network.
Parking: There is car parking available in Eamont Bridge, a short walk from the henge.