Ancient Memories: Standing Stones and Ritual Landscapes

Abstract

Prompted by the Glenn Innes Standing Stones, this article considers the interpretive stories that have been told about standing stones through the ages. Its focus is on the great megalithic landscapes of Britain, and responses to these through early modern writers, through to the present. In this, the role of wicca is considered as a communal expression of response to the living, dynamic power of such stones. Finally, the Australian Standing Stones are presented as exemplifying anew the role of monoliths as sites of memory for all kinds of people.