Final part of Thornborough Henges bought by Historic England

English Heritage revealed today (February 9) that the final part of Thornborough Henges in North Yorkshire has been secured, with support from The National Heritage Memorial Fund, Jamie Ritblat and family, and The SCS Trust.

It is thought to be the first time that all three henges, which is a Neolithic monument, have been under one single owner for at least 1,500 years.

Thornborough Henges (Image: HISTORIC ENGLAND)

Gerard Lemos CMG CBE, Chair of English Heritage, said: “The Thornborough Henges are a remarkable survivor from the prehistoric past, from deep, deep history.

"We are incredibly proud that all three henges are now reunited under one single owner and their future secure. 

"Reuniting the henges like this means that the public is now able to explore all three and re-connect with the people who gathered here 4,500 years ago.”

Often referred to as “the Stonehenge of the North”, the Thornborough Henges comprise three large circular earthworks each more than 200m in diameter.

Its the first time the henges have been in single ownership for 1500 years (Image: HISTORIC ENGLAND)

Dating from 3000 to 2500 BC, it is a place where people gathered for ceremonies for at least 2,000 years.

Thornborough is one of the most important prehistoric sites between Stonehenge and the Orkney Islands in Scotland, according to Historic England.

Rishi Sunak MP, whose Richmond parliamentary constituency includes Thornborough Henges, said: "Having recently visited the henges site, I know how truly remarkable the totality of the monument is.

Often referred to as “the Stonehenge of the North”, the Thornborough Henges comprise three large circular earthworks each more than 200m in diameter (Image: HISTORIC ENGLAND)

"Bringing all three henges together in the ownership of English Heritage ensures their preservation and enhances the charity's ability to tell the story of the earthworks and their importance to the pre-history of our nation."

Currently under woodland, the northern henge is the best preserved of the three – and one of the best-preserved henges in the country – and gives a strong impression of how the others would have appeared originally. 

At the start of 2023, the central and southern henges plus their surrounding lands were gifted to Historic England and English Heritage by the construction companies Tarmac and Lightwater Holdings.

English Heritage – with the support of £150,000 from The National Heritage Memorial Fund as well as support from Jamie Ritblat and family, and The SCS Trust – has now purchased the northern henge from its private owner. 

This sees Thornborough Henges – in its entirety – joining Stonehenge, Iron Bridge, Dover Castle, Kenwood and numerous Roman sites on Hadrian’s Wall within the National Heritage Collection, under the care of English Heritage.

Entry to Thornborough Henges is free although the northern henge is currently closed as several trees were damaged in the recent storms and English Heritage is carrying out some works to ensure that the area of the site is ready to welcome visitors soon.

Duncan Wilson, chief executive of Historic England, said: “Thornborough Henges is one of England’s most impressive and important prehistoric monuments so it’s wonderful news that the entire site is now in the care of English Heritage for the benefit of the nation.  

"The acquisition of the third henge marks the culmination of years of hard work and tenacity to unite and safeguard Thornborough Henges for future generations.”