Duddo Five Stones

The Duddo Stone Circle, also known as the Duddo Five Stones or The Five Kings, is a remarkable prehistoric monument situated atop a knoll in Northumberland, England. Overlooking the River Tweed to the west, the circle is a striking feature of the landscape, offering both historical intrigue and breathtaking views. Dating back to the Neolithic or Bronze Age, this ancient site is an enduring testament to the area’s rich archaeological heritage.

The stone circle consists of five standing stones arranged in a rough circle with a diameter of approximately 10.5 metres. These weathered sandstone megaliths vary in height from 1.5 metres to 2.3 metres, with the largest stone measuring 1.8 metres wide and 0.5 metres in depth. Their deeply grooved and furrowed surfaces, sculpted over millennia by the elements, give the stones a distinctive, almost organic appearance, earning them the nickname “The Singing Stones” due to their supposed resonance when struck or when the wind passes through them.

Historical records and archaeological excavations suggest that the circle originally contained six stones. However, one stone is now missing, leaving the circle open to the west. This gap adds to the site’s mystery and has led to speculation about its original form and function. The ENE stone was re-erected in the early 20th century, restoring the site to its current five-stone arrangement; before this restoration, the monument was known as Duddo Four Stones.

Excavations in 1890 uncovered a central pit within the circle containing significant quantities of charcoal and bone. These findings suggest that the site may have served as a ceremonial or ritual space, possibly linked to burial or commemorative practices. The precise purpose of the circle remains unknown, but its elevated position and alignment hint at potential astronomical or territorial significance.

The setting of Duddo Stone Circle is as captivating as the stones themselves. Positioned in a quiet and rural part of Northumberland, the site offers expansive views of the surrounding countryside, with the Cheviot Hills visible to the south. This remote location enhances the sense of timelessness and mystery, drawing visitors who seek both history and solitude.

Whether as a place of ancient ceremony, a marker of territorial boundaries, or an early observatory, the Duddo Stone Circle continues to inspire wonder. Its enduring presence in the landscape connects modern observers with the distant past, serving as a reminder of the ingenuity and spirituality of the people who created it.

Created: 2  December  2024  Edited: 2  December  2024