Gunnerkeld Stone Circle by munki-boy

Gunnerkeld Stone Circle

Gunnerkeld Stone Circle is in The Lake District National Park in England.

Nestled just 200 meters southwest of Gunnerwell Farm, the Gunnerkeld concentric stone circle is an ancient marvel that stands atop a gentle ridge, proudly telling tales of times long past. A stunning and significant relic from an era gone by, its presence is not just an architectural wonder but also a testament to the ingenuity and the spiritual or cultural significance it held for its builders.

The larger, outer circle of this monument spans approximately 30 meters from north to south and about 24 meters from east to west. It comprises 19 substantial granite stones, with three of them standing upright, reaching impressive heights of just over one meter. These stoic stones silently guard an entrance on the monument’s northern flank, where two of the largest rocks stand as gatekeepers to the circle’s inner sanctum.

Enclosed by the outer ring, the inner circle has its own charm. Measuring about 18 meters north-south and 16 meters east-west, it consists of a dense arrangement of 31 granite stones. More than just a mere arrangement, this inner circle also serves as the kerb for an earth and stone cairn, which rises up to a height of one meter.

Historical records and limited antiquarian investigations hint at the secrets the central cairn may hold. A stone cist, a small stone-built coffin-like box, was discovered during one such excavation, pointing towards the possibility of the site being used for burial or other ritualistic purposes in ancient times.

One of the remarkable things about the Gunnerkeld concentric stone circle is its preservation. Despite the limited investigations, the circle remains in impeccable condition, with the wear and tear of time seemingly having little impact on its structure. This enduring monument provides invaluable insights into the Neolithic or Bronze Age periods of Britain, reminding us of the sophisticated and intricate practices of societies that existed long before our time.

Created: 27  November  2016  Edited: 29  November  2023

Concentric Stone Circle at Gunnerkeld
The Centre Stone Circle at Gunnerkeld
Portal Stones at Gunnerkeld
Gunnerkeld in the Landscape

Gunnerkeld Stone Circle

Gunnerkeld Stone Circle LiDAR Map

A LiDAR Map showing the area around Gunnerkeld Stone Circle

Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0

Local History around Gunnerkeld Stone Circle

There are some historic monuments around including:

Round cairn on Dale MoorRound cairn 30m east of Wicker Street Roman RoadShap Premonstratensian Abbey, including the precinct wall, abbey mill and mill race, and two fishpondsMedieval dyke system and shieling west of Shap AbbeyEwe Locks Romano-British settlement, Romano-British farmstead and two medieval shielingsBowl barrow 40m north-north-east of High HaberLong barrow on Trainford BrowSmall stone circle 220m south-east of Castlehowe ScarShap Stone AlignmentRomano-British enclosed stone hut circle settlement and associated field system on Wickerslack MoorRing cairn on Knipescar CommonRing cairn on Knipescar Common south of Inscar PlantationSlight univallate hillfort in Scarside PlantationHardendale medieval dispersed settlement and site of medieval monastic grangeRound cairn 320m north-north-west of Seal HoweRomano-British settlement at Cragside WoodMelkinthorpe medieval settlement, part of its associated open field system and the site of Melkinthorpe HallMedieval dyke: part of deer park boundary on Hazel Moor and two medieval shielingsBowl barrow on Wickerslack MoorSmall stone circle on White HagEwe Close Romano-British enclosed and unenclosed stone hut circle settlements and associated field system, medieval farmstead and Wicker Street Roman roadShap large regular stone circleRound cairn 300m west of Lyvennet BeckSkellaw Hill bowl barrowRound cairn on White RaiseBowl barrow 80m east of Scarside PlantationRound cairn 35m east of summit of Long Scar PikeRound cairn 670m north-east of summit of Long Scar PikeBowl barrow on Iron HillGunnerkeld concentric stone circleBowl barrow 70m south of Iron HillOddendale concentric stone circleBuck Park deerpoundWindrigg Hill round cairn, 440m south of High MurberKeld ChapelRound barrow 150m east of Scarside PlantationRound cairn west of White Raise.

Gunnerkeld Stone Circle map

Gunnerkeld Stone Circle UK Map