Memories of Stonehenge
Millions of people around the world will have fond memories of visiting Stonehenge, but, for some, their connection to this iconic monument goes even further. Here are some of the remarkable stories of people with special connections to Stonehenge.
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Growing up at Stonehenge in the 1930s
90-year-old Jean Grey recently contacted English Heritage to tell us about her memories of growing up at Stonehenge. Her father John Moffat was employed as custodian of the monument between 1934 and 1938, when Jean was a young girl.
You can listen to Jean recalling her 1930s childhood via the English Heritage podcast.
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A lonely discoverer, remembered
Between 1919 and 1926, one man worked tirelessly to uncover the archaeological secrets of Stonehenge. Lieutenant-Colonel William Hawley worked long seasons at Stonehenge, usually alone and without the help of any labourers. He uncovered the circuit of Aubrey Holes, the Y and Z holes, and the ditch around the Heel Stone.
The family of William Hawley has kept his diaries and work tools to remember his important contribution. These are some of the tools he handmade himself.
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The first Stonehenge catering caravan
The first café at Stonehenge was established in 1927, but was demolished in 1938. After a long period without refreshments, a mobile tea-bar run by Elsie Cook was permitted in the car park in 1950. Douglas Cook remembers his mother, “She worked at her caravan selling drinks, sweets and food. There were enough visitors to Stonehenge at that time that she could make a decent living but it was hard work and she was there in all weathers.”
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Serving up the famous rock cakes
From 1968 to 2013 a permanent but small snack bar served an ever increasing number of visitors. Molly McAlister ran this cafe for 35 years, serving freshly prepared meals on china plates and cups which had to be washed and stored. It was Molly who introduced our now famous rock cakes.
Molly’s granddaughter Lucy says, “I remember my Nan telling me when Prince Charles visited Stonehenge he ordered a sausage roll. She says he spent ages talking to all the staff and was really friendly.”
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Born at Stonehenge: Ethel Thomas
Between 1916 and 1919, Ernest William Thomas, a police constable responsible for supervising visitors to Stonehenge, was living at Fargo Cottages, just 550m west of the monument. On 4 October 1916, his wife Elizabeth Victoria gave birth to their daughter Ethel Irene. Ethel’s daughter Mary remembers her mother telling them that she was born at Stonehenge, “We never questioned it, although it did seem a bit odd”.
Pictured above is a copy of Ethel Thomas’s passport, listing Stonehenge as her place of birth. Fargo Cottages (initially known as Virgo Cottages), were built in around 1850 and were demolished in 1918 when the Stonehenge aerodrome was expanded.
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Born at Stonehenge: David Roger Sharp
To our knowledge, the most recent person to be born at Stonehenge is David Rodger Sharp whose mother went into labour while at the last Stonehenge Free Festival. David was delivered on 25 June 1984 during the music event which lasted for up to three weeks and attracted crowds of about 30,000 people. David was named after the local paramedic, David Nobbs, who helped to deliver him safely to the world
Restoring Stonehenge
Richard Woodman-Bailey had a unique role to play in the restoration of Stonehenge in the 1950s. At 8 years old, Richard placed a 1958 coin under one of the great sarsens during the seminal restorations led at the time by his father, the Chief Architect T. A. Bailey. Prompted by pictures of the restoration work, Richard recalls the events of 60 years ago through his unique perspective.
Stonehenge Souvenirs
Many people keep their memories alive through items like souvenirs, guidebooks and postcards. These are some of the special Stonehenge keepsakes.
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