New research has uncovered what may be the largest known prehistoric structure in Britain — an enormous ring of deep pits that stretches around the Durrington Walls site, not far from Stonehenge.
This groundbreaking discovery was made possible through detailed investigations led by the University of Bradford, with major scientific input from the University of St. Andrews. According to researchers, the 16 pits — each roughly 33 feet wide and 16 feet deep — form a large circle enclosing the ancient monument. This arrangement expands the known reach of the Durrington Walls complex by a significant margin.
Using specialized dating techniques, scientists have determined that the pits were dug and refilled around 2480 B.C., during the later years of the Stone Age. This period is known for the construction of large stone and earth monuments, but this newly identified structure is remarkable both for its size and precision.
Researchers confirm pits were deliberately dug in the stone age
The investigation team revisited the site to conduct extensive underground scanning and environmental testing. Their goal was to better understand how and when the pits were created, and whether these features occurred naturally or were the result of human activity.
The findings leave little doubt: The pits were intentionally constructed by people living in the area over 4,000 years ago. Scientists believe the work was carried out in a relatively short period, possibly by a community working under organized leadership. The consistency in the material used to fill the pits, as well as their symmetrical layout, points to a carefully planned effort.
Tim Kinnaird, who led the dating work at the University of St. Andrews, said the soil analysis shows a clear pattern. The sediments all match, suggesting they were filled around the same time. This level of coordination hints at a community with the ability to manage complex building projects and a strong understanding of their surroundings.
Traces of ancient life add clues to monument’s purpose
Further analysis uncovered traces of ancient plant and animal life in the soil, offering rare insights into the environment of the time. The presence of these materials suggests the pits were not isolated features, but part of a unified design within the larger landscape.
Despite the many ancient landmarks found near Stonehenge, the scale of this circular formation stands out. The accuracy with which each pit was placed across a vast area reflects a deep knowledge of the terrain and a surprising degree of planning for a prehistoric society.
Richard Bates, a geophysics expert from the University of St. Andrews, said the combination of scientific methods — such as environmental testing and underground mapping — was crucial in piecing together the full picture. He emphasized that the alignment of the pits, across such a wide area, required advanced surveying skills not typically associated with communities from that era.
This research is shifting the way experts understand activity in the region during the Neolithic period. It suggests that people living near Durrington Walls had the resources and social organization to carry out massive and complex construction efforts — adding a new chapter to Britain’s ancient past.