The MOST  NOTABLE  
 
 
A N I Q U I T Y  
0 F  
G R E A T B R I TA I N,  
Vulgarly called  
 
 
STONE-HENG,  
ON  
SALISBURY PLAIN,  
R E S T O R E D,  
 
By INIGO JONES, Eq; Architect General to the King  
To which are added,  
 
The C H O R EA G I G A N T U M,  
0 R,  
 
Stotone-Heng Restored to the Danes,  
By Doctor C HA R L E T O N;  
AND  
Mr.Webb's Vindication of Stone-HengReftored,  
In Answer to Dr. Charleton's Reflections;  
WITH  
ORS.RVATIONS upon the Orders and Rules of ARCHITECTURE in Use among the Ancient ROMANS. ,  
Before the whole entire prefixed,  
Certain MEMOIRS relating to the Li£e of INIGO JONES;  
with his Effigies, Engraved by Hollar; as alfo Dr. CHARLETONs, by P. Lombart; and four new Views of 
STONE-HENG, in its present Situation: With above twenty other Copper-Plates,  
and a compleat Index to the entire Colleltion.  
'  
LONDON:  
Printed for D. BROWNE Junior, at the Black-Swan without Temple-Bar, and J. WoooMAN and D. 
LYON, in R1tjfel-Street, Covent-Garden.  
 
 
M.DCC X..XV  
 
 
 
 
TO THE  
 
FAVOURERS
 0F  
 
 
ANTIQUITY.  
HIS Discourse of STONE-HENG is moulded off and cast into a rude Form, from some few indigested  
Notes of the late judicious Architect, the Vitruvius of his age,  
Inigo Jones. That so venerable an Antiquity might not perish, but the World made beholding to him 
for restoring it to Light, the Desires of several his Learned Friends have encouraged me to Compose 
this Treatise. Had he  
survived to have done it with his own Hand,there had needed no Apology. Such as it is,I make now 
yours. Accept it in his Name, from  
J. w.  
 
MEMORIS  
Relating to the  
LIFE and WRITINGS  
OF  
INIGO  JONES, Efq;  
 
R. lnigo Jones was the Son of Mr. lgnatius Jones, Citizen and Clochworker of London. He was born 
about the Year I572,in che Neighbourhood of St. Paul's Cathedral. 'Tis obfervable', his Christian Name 
is in Spanish, and his Father's in Latin for which some have assignd this Reason, that as his Father was 
a considerable Dealer in the Woollen Manufactury tis probable, some Spanish Merchant might have 
assisted at his Baptism.  
There is no certain Account in what Manner he pass'd his younger Years, or where, or by whom he 
was brought up. It has however been suggested, that his Education was liberal, and that he laid the 
first Foundations of his future Knowledge in the University of Cambridge. But there seems to be no 
other Ground for this supposition, than a bare Conjecture. This indeed we know, that he was early 
distinguish'd by his Inclination to Drawing or Designing, and was particularly taken notice of for his 
Skill in the Practice of Landfskip-Painting. 'Twas his Progress in there more  
curious Arts, that recommended him to the Favour of that 
great  
 
 
MEMOIRS of the LIFE of  
great Patron of all liberal Sciences, William Earl of Pembroke. At his Expence he travell'd over Italy, 
and the politer Parts of Europe; saw whatever stood recommended by its Antiquity or Value, and 
from these Plans form' d his own Observations, which upon his Return Home he perfected by Study 
and Application: And by these Degrees he rose to such an Eminence in the Knowledge of 
Architecture, that he was defervedly esteemed the Vttruvius of his Age and Countrey. We have a fine 
Intermixture of Fancy and Judgment, in his Decorations of Dramatick Entertainments, and the 
pompous Machinery of Masques and Interludes. These were then the fashionable Diversions of the 
Court, and were drawn up by the greatest Masters. Several Representations of this nature are still 
extant by Ben Johnson, Sir William Davenant, and the most eminent Poetick Writers of that Age. The 
Subject was set down by the Poet, but the Invention, Ornament, Scenes, &c. were the Contrivance of 
Mr. lnigo Jones; and for these he received a very considerable Encouragement from the court. 
His Capacity and Exactness soon rais'd him to the good Esteem of King James I. who promoted him to 
be Surveyor General of His Majesty' s Works. He was honoured with the same Employment by the 
Queen, Prince Henry, Christianus IV. King of Denmark, and upon King James's Demise, by his 
Successor King Charles l: 'Twas during this Incerval, he formed that most noble Structure, called the 
Banqueting-House, at White-Hall, which was at first design’d for the Reception of foreign 
Embassadors. Th. Ceiling was some Years after adorn'd by the Pencil of Sir Peter-Paul Rubens, with 
the Felicities of King James s Reign; and Draughts of these have been since taken, and lately publish’d 
by Sim. Gribelin, the Engraver. To him we owe the re-building of Somerset-House in the Strand, and 
the stately Piazza of Covent-Garden. In this fast Performance, our Architect had in View the Piazza of 
Leghorn, but has vastly surpass'd the Original, by the Beauty and Largeness of his Pillars. But 'tis not 
in our Power to describe the Number or form a Judgment upon the Excellence of his Designs. This is 
an Employment deserving the Care of those noble Persons,  
 
 
I N 1 G O 1 0 NE S, Efq;  
Persons, who have been at the Labour and Experience of procuring the Plans of 'em. And as the 
Public is now to be obliged with a View of 'em in Sculpture, the Reader may expect a finish'd 
Discourse upon their Nature and Value. And thus there will be rais'd a Monument to our Author's 
Memory, even more lasting than his own great Performances. Brick and Stone will decay, and Time 
destroy the Labours of the ablest Architect; but the Works of the Learned , will endure, so long as 
Reason and good Sense shall have any Being in the World.  
Mr. Jones was no less distinguish'd by bis Knowledge in the Theory or History of Architecture, than he 
was eminent in the Practice. In Proof of this, we need only refer the Reader to this valuable Discourse 
of Stone-Heng Restor'd, which we here present him. 'Twas drawn up by Direction of King James I. in 
the Year 1620, tho' not published till after the Author's Death, and is wrote with to much Accuracy 
and Skill, that 'tis uncertain which most deserves our Commendation, his Industry, or his Sagacity. 
After much Reasoning, and a long Series of Authorities, he concludes at last, that this ancient and 
stupendous Pile must have been originally a Roman Temple, inscrib'd to Coelus, the Senior of the 
Heathen Gods, and built after the Tuscan Order.  
The dreadful Inundation of Civil War, which soon after followed, involv'd Mr. Jones in the common 
Calarnity. His Integrity and Gratitude were strong Motives for adhering to the Royal Family in its 
Misfortunes, and bearing a Part in its Ruins. 'Twas this his Loyalty, which made him the early Object 
of Spoil and Robbery, in those ltenctious Times of Violence and Rapine. We learn from Mr Lloyd, that 
it cost him four hundred Pounds by Way of Composition; a large Sum co be paid at such a Time, and 
upon such an Occasion! See his Memoirs and Martyrology of the Royalists. Had our Author liv'd till 
the Return of Monarchy, his Losses would have doubtless been made up to him; but alas! he dy'd 
eight or nine Years before the Restoration. Antony Wood informs us, upon the Authority of Mr. 
James, the Son of John Webb, Efq; a near Relation to Mr. Jones, that he dy'd on the 21 st of July, 
1651 at the Age of about twenty nine Years.  
 
 
Inigo Jones  Efq;  

flill extant in the Cathedral at Wells. He is also reported to have tranflated from the Italian, 
Tarcagnota's History of the World, and to have left it in the Hands of his Son Mr. James, whom we 
have already mention'd. 
Mr. Jones's Scheme, however supported with Learning and Argument, did not yet give a general 
Satisfaction. His Notion was warmly attack'd by Dr. Walter Charleton, in a Treatise call'd Chorea 
Gigantum, which was publish'd in in  1663; and here the Doctor is very positive, this extraordinary 
Monument was erected by the Danes. This Author was a Clergyrnan's Son of Shipton-Mallet, in 
Somersetshire, brought up at Magdalen-Hal, in Oxford , commenc'd Doctcr in Physick, was Physician 
in Ordinary to King Charles I. and afterwards to King Charles II. was a Member, and sometime 
President of the College of Physicians in London, and Fellow of the Royal Society. He was very 
eminent in his Profession, and well-skill' d in the learned Languages, but reputed to have over-valued 
his Pares and Performances. He liv’d to an advanced Age; but by reason of some imprudent 
Management was obliged to retire from his Family to one of those Islands, which are the Remains of 
our French Conquests; and there he pass'd the Refidue of his Days in Obscuricy and Want.  
The Doctor, dissatisfied with Mr. Jones's Discourse, caus' d a Copy of it to be transmitted to Olaus 
Wormius, the celebrated Antiquary of Denmark; and Wormius return'd his Opinion of Stone-Heng in 
several Letters to Dr. Charleton. From the Authorities and Arguments produc'd in these Letters, the 
Doctor drew up his Treatise, in which he maintains, that this ruinous Fabrick was in reality of Danish 
Original. The World however did not generally come into the Doctor's Sentiments; tho' Sir William 
Dugdale is said to have approv'd 'em in private Conversation, and Mr. Dryden wrote an elegant 
Panegyrick to the Author upon his Performance. This renew'd the Controversy, and gave Occasion to 
Mr. Webb to vindicate the Opinion and Memory of his Kinsman Mr. Jones, in a Tract of his own 
Composition, which he calls, A Vindication of Stone-Heng Restored; wherein the Roman Architecture 
is discuss' d. And even the Enemies to Mr. Jones's Scheme. will allow, that Mr. Webb has drawn up 
his Deasense with Learning and Judgment. But  
 
 
MEMOIRS of the LIFE, &c.  
But 'tis not our Design to interpofe in an Affair of this Nature, which has already employ'd the Pens of 
to many eminent Antiquaries, and brought forth to many different Opinions. Mr. Samms, in his 
Britannia, will have this Structure to have been Phenician; Mr. Jones and Mr. Webb believe it to be 
Roman; Mr. Aubrey thinks it was British; and Dr. Charleton derives it from the Danes. And yet if the 
true old Writing of the Name be STANHENGEST, as the Monasticon seems to tell us, I cannot see, 
says Bishop Nicholson, why the Saxons may not have as just a Title as any, to the Honour of it. There 
is a Manuscript Treatise said to have been written upon this Subject, by one Mr. John Gibbons, and 
'tis possible this Gentleman may have a. different Notion from all the rest.  

Stone-Heng Restored. 
By 
Inigo Jones, Efq;
Being naturally inclined in my younger Years to study the Arts of Design, I passed into foreign Parts to 
conserve with the great Masters thereof in Italy; where I applied my self to search out the Ruins of 
those ancient Buildings, which in Despite of Time it self, an Violence of Barbarians, are yet remaining. 
Having satisfied my self inthese, and returning to my native Country, I applied my mind more 
particulary to the Study of Architecture. Among the ancient Monuments whereof, found here, I 
seemed none more worthy the searching after, than this Stone-Heng; not only in regard of the 
founders thereof, the Time when built, the Work it self, but also for the Rarity of its Invention, being 
different in Form from all I had seen before; likewise, of as beautiful Proportions, as elegant in Order, 
and as stately in Aspect, as any.
King James, in his Progress, the Year one Thousand six hundred and twenty, being at Wilton, and 
discoursing of this Antiquity, I was sent for by the Right Honourable William, then Earl of Pembroke, 
and received there his Majesty’s Commands to produce, out of my own Practice in Architecture, and 
Experience in Antiquitiy Abroad, what possibly I could discover concerning this Stone-Heng. What my 
Oponion was then, and what I have since collected, in raltion thereunto, in the intricate and obscure 
Study of
Stone-Heng rstored
of 
Antiquity, it is as far easier (as Camden very well observes) to resute and contradict a false, than to 
set down a true and certain Resolution. For mine own part, in what I shall here deliver, I intend not to 
struggle against any Opinion soever the Reader inclines to, I shall not make much material, my aim 
being, a Desire only to vindicate, as much as in me lies, the Founders of the venerable Antiquity  from 
Oblivion, and to make the Truth, as far forth as possibly I may, appear all Men.
Several Writers, both Strangers, and our own Countrymen, have treated of Stone-Heng. Before recite 
whose Opinions, I think not aims to seek this Subject from the most ancient Times, endeavouring 
thereby to give Satisfaction, whether or no the Druids, alias Druide, in Authors indifferently written, 
and in old Time the Priest of the Britain and Gauls,) or the ancient Britains, fot the Druids Use, might 
not be the Founders of so notable a Monument; which if they were, there is then Cause why bestow 
farther Study or Pains, in searching who the Founders were, but acquiesce in the Honour of our own 
Nation’s first Erection of it.
As far nevertheless, as from History, ancient or modern, may be gathered, there is a Likelihood of any 
such Matter, considering especially what the Druids were; also, what small Experience the Britains, 
anciently inhabiting this Isle, had, in Knowledge of whatever Arts, much less of Building, with like 
Elegancy and Proportions, such goodly Works at Stone-Heng.
Concerning the Druids in the first Place; true it is, there are reported in ancient Times to have been in 
great Esteem in this Island, where their Discipline and Manner of Learning was supported to be first 
invented, and from hence translated into Gaul. Disciplina in Britannia reperta (faith Cæsar) atque 
inde in Galliam translate esse existimatur. They are said in like manner to have ordered and disposed 
all divine Matters, as well in relation to their several Kinds of Sacrifices; insomuch, you max call them 
(if you please) the Bishops and Clergy of that Age.
Their Power moreover, and Preheminence, was not confined within the strict Limits of sacred 
Matters, but enjoying a more large Prerogative, temporal Negotiations, and Affairs of State were 
transacted by them: The managing of Peace and War was usually remitted to their Authority, even 
Armies were ready to join in Battel. Publica iis (faith Strabo) & private judica committuntur, & 
aliquando causis bellorum disceptandis jam acie congressuros composuerunt. Judges they were (faith 
Cæsar aslo) in almost all civil and criminal Causes: Sentence they gave in Case of Life and Death: 
Decide the did, Controverifies and Debates betwixt Party and Party: Finally, whatever else was 
requisite and convenient to keep the People in due to Obedience to their Princes, they wholly took 
the Care and Charge of.
These were the main Affairs wherein the Employment of the Druids consisted, and whereunto they 
wholly addicted themselves. Whoever desires to know more of them, may read Cæsar, Diorus 
Siculus, Strabo,Pliny, Diogenes Laertius, Ammianus Marcellinus,
 
Stone-Heng Restored.  
3 
cellinus and such like ancient Authors. But, whatsoever there, or other Historians have written of the 
'Druids, certainly, Stone-Heng could not be builded by them, in regard, I find no mention, they were 
at: any Time either studious in Architecture, (which in this Subject is chiefly to be respected) or skilful 
in any thing else  conducing thereunto. For Academies of Design were unknown unto them: publick 
Lectures in the Mathematicks not read amongst them: nothing of their Painting, not one Word of 
their Sculpture is to be found, or scarce of any Science ( Philosophy and Astronomy excepted) proper 
to inform die Judgment of an Architect; who, (as Vitruvius faith) should be peritus Graphidos, 
eruditus Geometria, & Optices non ignarus, &c. perfect in Design, expert in  Geometry, well (seen in 
the Opticks, skilful in Arithmetick, a good Historian, a diligent hearer of Philosophers, well 
experience’d in Physics, Musick, Law and Astrology.  
Of all that have written of the Druids, no Author knew them better than Cæsar, neither hath any 
more folly described them; who after a large Discourse of their Discipline, Privileges, and Theology, 
Multa de Sideribus (faith he) atque eorum motu, de mundi ac terrarium magntudine, de rerum 
natura, &c. dispitant, & juventuti transdunt. They make much Dispute, and instruct their Scholars in 
many things concerning the Stars, and their Motion, the Greatness  of Heaven and Earth, of the 
Nature of Things, &c. As for other Arts relating to the Mathematicks, or any Works of this Kind,  he 
makes no manner of Mention, though himself an .Architect, glorying in his own, and much more 
extolling others Invention in that Art.  
The Truth is, those ancient Times had no Knowledge of publixk Works, either Sacred or Secular, fot 
their own use, or Honour of their Deities. Besides they us'd not any Buildings of Stone, or (for ought 
is manifest) knew so much, as how to order working therein. The Druids led a solitary contemplative 
Life, contenting themselves with such Habitations, as either meer Necessity invenred, to shelter 
them from Contrariety of Seasons, without Art, without Order, without any whatever Means tending 
to Perpetuity: or, such as Nature alone had prepared for them in Dens, and Caves of desert and 
darkfom Woods; esteeming it, questions, the highest Secret of their Mystery, rather to command in 
Caves and Cottages, than live like Kings, in Palaces, and stately Houses. They were too wife, knew too 
well, 'twas their Humility, Integrity, retired manner of Life, and pretended Sancticity possest the 
People with an awful reverend Esteem of them; and which fed, and kept up their Reputation 
throughout the Country, when outward Appearances of State and Magnificence would either have 
brought them into Envy, and their Superstition into Contempt, or themselves and Religion both to be 
wholly extirpated and laid aside.
Pomponius Mela discoursing of the Druids, Docent multa (faith he) nobilissimos gentis clam & diu 
vicensis annis in specu, aut in abditis saltibus. They teach the Notability, and better Sort of their 
Nation, may things, even twenty Years together, secretly in Caves, or close Coverts of obscure Woods 
and Forests. Such and no other were their Habitations, such their Unsiversities, and publick Schools
 
Stone-Heng Restored. 
4  
As for their Temples and sacred Structures, they consisted no in Variety of Forms, Costliness of 
Materials, or Perfection of human Arts, but were of Nature's own framing in like Manner, being no 
other than Groves of Oak. The Druids chose of Purpose (faith Pliny) such Groves far their divine 
Service, as stood only upon Oaks; nay they solemnized no Sacrifice, nor performed any sacred 
Ceremonies without Branches, and Leaves thereof; from whence they may seem well enough to be 
named Dryad in Greek, which signifies as much as Oak Priests.  
The Romans having forced their Passage, and gained Victory over the Druids in Anglesey, cut down 
their Woods and Groves, amongst them reckoned holy, and consecrated to their execrable 
Superstitions. Excisi luci (faith Tacitus) saevis superstitionibus sacri. 
 To this Purpose, Humphry Lloyd, in his History of Wales, the vast Woods growing in that Island, were 
not only by the Romans, but afterwards, when the Christian Faith took Place in this Nation, by the 
Christians also fell'd and rooted out. And why? because of the Idolatry (faith he) and absurd Religion 
used in them. Again, in his Epistle to Ortelius concerning the Isle of Anglesey, the fame Author 
affirms; though there is little Wood now growing there, yet every Day the Roots and Bodies of huge 
Trees of a wonderful Length and Bigness are by the Inhabitants found, and digged out of the Earth, in 
divers Places in low Grounds, and champion Fields.  
Now, if instead of these Roots, and Bodies of Trees, the Ruins of ancient Structures had been there 
found, it might peradventure, with some Probability, have been presumed, either that the Druids 
used Temples, or some other Buildings of Stone. For, their ancient Seat was in the lsle of Mona, now 
Anglesey, whence modern Writers style it lnsulam Druidum, the island of the Druids and Sedem 
Druidum, the Seat of the Druids. And from hence: questionless, it came to pass, the Romans, with 
such Difficulty, under the Conduct of Suetonius Paulinus, brought that lsland under their Power; nor 
was it wholly subdued to their Empire, untiJ Julius Agricola's Time. For, whereas in other Parts of 
Britain, the People contended for Liberty only, there, they fought pro aris & focis, for Liberty and 
Religion both.  
There it was the British Armies (faith Tacitus) being imbattailed, the Women ran to and fro amongst 
them in sable Weeds, their Hair about their Ears, and Fire-brands in their Hands, like infernal Furies, 
the Druids round about them also, lifting up their Hands to Heaven, and pouring forth deadly Curses; 
the Novelty of which Sight bred such Amazement in the Roman Legions, (the Romans here, it seems, 
were unacquainted with the Druids till then) that they stood stock still, and close together, not once 
moving a Foot, as if possessed with a Resolution to act nothing at all, but receive their Deaths tamely 
and without any grat Resistance. 
Wherefore, besides, that History hath not remembred the Ruins of any ancient Buildings digged up in 
Anglesey; if either this Antiquity had been remaining in that Island, or any Author delivered such 
Actions of the Druids, as aforesaid, performed about the Place, where Stone-Heng remains standing, 
there might have been some  
 
 
 
 
 
Stone-Heng restored  
7  
their Sacrifices, and divine Mysteries in, (as from several Authors I have already proved) Neither find I 
any particular Place mentioned, to which any of these their Temples (if they may to be called) were 
assigned; only Andates ( it seems from Dion Cassius) had a Grove sacred to her in the Country of the 
Iceni, anciently containing Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridge, and Huntingdon Shires, far enough from 
Stone-Heng.
Besides, it is not to be past over in Silence, how Tacitus expresseth himself in the before cited 
fourteenth Book of his Annals, telling us; the Romans overthrew not the Temples, or razed to the 
Foundations, any of the sacred Structures of the Druids and Britains made of Stone, or other 
Materials, which he might as readdily have done, if they had used any such: but positively, the 
Romans cut down the Britains Woods and Groves, amongst them reckoned holy, and consecrated to 
their execrable Superstitons. True it is, other Temples, of greater Magnificence than already spoken 
of, I find none: Ornaments of Art to enrich them they were not acquainted with: such orderly 
composed Works as Stone-Heng they had not any : yea, no kind of sacred Structures of Stone were in 
use amongst them: their Idolatrous Places being naturally adorned, only with wild, and over-grown 
Shades, designed and brought to Perfection by Dame Nature her self, the being Architect-general to 
all their Deities. Nor did it consist with their vain Religion to use any other, they making their 
Worship, performing their Ceremonies, offering their Sacrifices in a dark and obscure Groves, most 
conformable unto their barbarous, and inhumane, humane Oblations.
Neither mist it seem strange, they used no other Temples than these, it not being their Custom 
alone; for the Excelsi or high Places mentioned in the sacred Story, wherein the Heathen performed 
idolatrous Rites unto their Idols, were commonly Groves, affectedly sited upon some mountainous 
Place, without any House or Temple. The Persians of old, (of whom Herodotus) Neque statuas, neque 
templa, neque aras extruere consuetudo est, Erected neither Images, not Temples, nor Altars: 
quinimo hoc facientibus insaniae tribuere, accounting it  it great Folly and Madness an those that did:  
but ascending to the Tops of the highest, and most lofty Hills on them offered Sacrifices to their 
Gods. From hence, Xerxes, in his Expedition, burnt down the Temples of the Greeks, because they  
shut up their Gods therein, to whom all things are open and free, and to ,whom the whole Universe 
serves for a Temple. The Abasgians also (inhabiting  Mount Caucasus) did worship, even till 
Protcopius his Time, Groves and Woods; and in a barbarian Simplicity esteemed the very Trees 
themselves to be Gods. In like Manner, the Northern and Southern People of America, made all rheir 
Invocations and Exorcisims in Woods. The ancient Germans likewise consecrated Woods and Forests. 
Lucos ac nemor a consecrant, faith Tacitus giving this Reason for it; They thought it a Matter ill 
beseeming the Greatness of their Deities, to enclose them within Temples made by Art. His Words 
are Nec

Stone-Heng restored
8
Nec cohibere parietibus Deos arbittrantur, they thought it not fit to restain their Deities within 
Temples or Houses made with Handy, Ax C. Pichenas commenting thereon more fully interprets.
Touching the Manner of the Building of the ancient Britains, and of what Material they consisted, I 
find them so far short of the Magnificence of this Antiquity, that they were not stately, nor 
sumptuous; neither had they any thing of Order, or Symmetry, much less, of Gracefulness, and 
Decorum in them, being only such as Ovid (relating to the first Age of the World) makes Mention of.
____domus antra fuerunt, Et densi frutices, & junctae cortice viragae
Thus Englished by Arthur Golding.
____their Houses were the Thicks, And busby Lueaches, hollow Caves and Hardles made of Sticks.
To like Purpose Vitruvius. In the first Age of the Wolrd (faith he) Men lived in Woods, Caves, and 
Forests, but after they had found out the Use of Fire, and by the Benefit thereof were invited to 
enter into a certain kind of Society, coepeunt alii de fronde fracere recta, alii speluncas fodere sub 
montibus, nonnulli hirundinum nidos, & aedificatones earum imitantes, de luto &  virgultis facere 
loca, que subirent. Some of them began to make themselves Habitations of Boughs, some to dig 
Dens in Mountains; other some; imitating the Nests of Birds, made themselves places of Lome and 
Twigs, and such like Materials, to creep into, and sbroud themselves in. Direclty after which manner 
of Woorkmanship, were the Houses of the ancient Britains.
Domos ex calamis aut lignis ut plurimum habent compactas, Their Houses for the most Part are of 
Reed and Wood, faith Diodorus Siculus.
In the Northern Parts they live in Tents. Degunt in tentosiis, (faith Dion epitomis’d by Xiphiline.)
Their Cities were without Walls, the Country without Towns. Urbinum loco ipsis sunt nemora, (faith 
Strabo) Woods stand them instead of Cities or Towns. Arboribus enim dejectis ubi amplum icirculum 
sepierunt, ipi casas ibidem sibi ponunt, & pecori stabula condunt, ad usum quidem non longi 
temporis. For when by felling of Trees, they have inclosed, and fenced therewith a large circuit of 
Wood, therein they raise Cattel, of no great Continuance, but only to supply their present Use and 
Occasion.
Oppidum Britanni vocant (faith Cæsar) quum silvas impeditas vallo atque fossa munierunt, quo 
incurasionis hostium vitandecausa, convenire consueverunt, The Britains call a thick Wood, enclose 
about with a Ditch and Rampire, made for a Place of Retreat to avoid the Invasion od Assault of their 
bordering Enemies, a Town. Thus
 
Stone-heng restored  
9  
Thus, you see, in what Condition the Inhabitants of this Island lived in thosc ancient Times, having of 
themselves, neither Desire, nor Ability to exercise, nor from others, Encouragement to attain 
whatever Knowledge in the Art of Building. Precepts, and Rules therein, the Druids neither could, nor 
would impart unto them. That they could not, appears from what is formerly said, and in what skilful 
above others, they communicated nothing, but to those of their own Society, taking special Order (as 
Cæsar affirms) their Discipline might not be divulged. 
As for Colonies of any Nation practised in Arts, from whom  they might receive or Knowledge, or civil 
Conversation, there were none settled amongst them: neither had they Commerce, or Traffick, with 
any People experienced therein, much less Acquaintance with any other, except those of Gaul, well 
near as barbarous as themselves. None of the Gauls in a Manner, had any Knowledge (faith Cæsas) of 
the Nature and Quality of the People of Britain, or of the Places, Ports, or Passes of the Country. 
Neque enim temere praeter mercatores illo adit quisquam, neque iis ipsis qttidquam, praeter oram 
maritimam, atque eas regiones que sunt contra Gatliam, notum eft. For, not any went thither 
without imminent 'Danger, except Merchants, and they also could give account of nothing, save only 
the Sea-coast, and those Countries which were opposite to Gaul. Never any Colony of the Greeks, far 
ought I know (faith Ortelius) was seated in Britain. And Cæsar, the first of all the Romans that 
discovered it, faith Camden.  
If Desire nevertheless, to know in what Times the ancient Britains began to be civilized, when to learn 
the Knowledge of Arts, to build stately Temples, Palaces, publick Buildings, to be eloquent in foreign 
Languages, and by their Habits, and Attire, attain the Qualities of a civil, and well ordered People, 
Tacitus shall relate the same.  
Sequens hiens saluberrimis conciliis absumpta, &c. The Winter ensuing (being the second Year of 
Julius Agricola his Propraetorship, or Lieutenancy in Britain ; Titus Vespasian Emperor, about one 
hundred thirty three Years after the first Discovery thereof by Cæsar) was spent tn most profitable, 
and politick Coucils (faith Tacitus.) For, whereas the Britains were rude, and dispersed, and thereby 
prone, upon evey Occasion, to War; Agricola, to induce them by Pleasure to Quietness and Rest, 
exhorted them in Private, and helpt them  in Common to build Temples, Houses, and Places of 
publick Resort, commending those that were foreward therein, and punishing the Refractory. 
Moreover, the Noblemens Sons he took, and instructed in the liberal Sciences, preferring the Wits of 
Britain, to the Students in Gaul, as being now eagerly ambitious to attain the Eloquence of the 
Roman Tongue, whereas lately they utterly rejected that Language. After that, our Attire grew in 
Account, and the Gown much used amongst them.TJ, and so by little and little they proceeded to 
Provocations of Vices, to sumptuous Galleries, Baths, and exquisite Banquettings. Thus far Tacitus.  
Now had there been but the least Mention made, by any Author, concerning the Druids instructing 
and training up the ancient Britams in any such Matters, as these, (whth Tacitus remembers the 
Romas to 
  
  
Stone-Heng Restored 
11  
and the ancient Britains accounting it their chiefest Glory to be wholly ignorant in whatever Arts. 
Neither could it be otherwise, feeing their Life so uncivil, so rude, so full of Wars and quently void of 
all Literature, (as Camden relateth.) 
Yet, before I come to speak of this middle Age (if I may so call it) wherein the Romans prevailed, and 
to compleat their Victories gave first Rise to Civility in this Island; as, I began with Times of great 
Antiquity, so much I now descend to those less ancient, and modern, wherein, as Posterity hath 
suffered and irreparable Damage, through want of writing in those first Times, so hath it been almost 
at as great a Loss, by too much writing in latter Times; so many Authors, so much Contrariety, so little 
Certainty is found amongst them. Who, when they could not search out the Truth indeed, laboured 
to bring forth Narrations invented by themselves, without or Reason, or Authority: delivering (faith 
Camden) their several Opinions, rather with a certain pleasant Variety to give Contentment to their 
Readers, than with any Care or Judgment to find out the Truth of Things.  

Those ancient Historians who (among other Actions of the Britains) treat of this Antiquity, differ 
much in their several Reports. And, as it is usual with Historiographers of other Nations, where, they 
cannot give a just and rational Account of unwonted Accidents, beyond the common Course of 
Things, to fill up their Stories with fabulous and incredible Relations; so, no marvel, if we hear the like 
in our own Histories. Credibile enim est calamitatem bellicam, quae ecclefias una cum bibliothecis 
exhauserat infinitis, clara vetustatis monumenta abrasisse. For evident it is, through th eClamaties of 
War (faith Layland) which together with infinite Libraries ruined the Churches themselves, the certain 
Records of our Antiquities, are utterly lost. Unde scripturienti de antiqttitate Britannica occultissima 
pleraque omnia. Whereby the Writers of the British Stories, are all of them, for the most Part, very 
obscure and doubtful. 

Some others again, especially the most ancient and authentick British Historians, who liv'd in Ages 
next succeeding those, wherein Stone-Heng might probably be first erected, have wholly passed it 
over with Silence. ln like manner venerable Bede, William Malmesbury, Roger Hoveden, and others, 
speak nothing thereof, as happily, willing rather to decline it altogether, than deliver it upon frivolous 
Conjectures, and in so doing cast a Blemish upon their other Labours. Neither is it improbable, that 
the most ancient Authors, considering the Times wherein they wrote, upon the first springing up of 
Christian Religion here, might through Zeal unto the true God, forbear to commemorate unto 
Prosterity, Places designed for Idolatrous Uses; endeavouring rather, to suppress the Memory 
thereof, and make succeeding Generations solicitous therein; than, in that Infancy of divine Worship, 
to illustrate the Magnificence of the Heathens for buildings such notable Structuress to their false 
Gods. Insomuch, I find very little, or no Mention at all thereof in the British Stories, except by Jeffrey 
Monmouth, with some who follow him, and by such Authors only as our most judicious  

Stone-Heng restored. 
12  
judicious Writers hold in many things, either meerly fabulous, or overladen with malicious, or 
accidentary Untruths. Such Relations nevetheles, as they make thereof, I shall endeavour to deliver in 
their own Words, reduceable into two Conjectures, viz. either that Stone-Heng was erected by A. 
Ambrosius (in ancient Times King of the Britains) in Memory of the British Nobility perfidiously stain 
at a Treaty by Hengist the Saxon: or else, set up by the Britains themselves in Honour of Him their 
said King.  
Giraldus Cambrensis, curiously diligent in his Relations of the Miracles in Ireland, amongst other 
strange things in those Parts, reckons up this Antiquity Stone-Heng. Fuit antiquis temporibus in 
Hiberniam, lapidu m congeries admiranda, ( faith he) quae & Chorea Gigantum dicta fuit, quia 
Gigantes eam ab ultimis Africae partibus in Hiberniam attulerunt, &c. There was in Ireland-in ancient 
Times, a Pile of Stones worthy Admiration, called the Giants Dance, because Giants, from the 
remotest Parts of Africa, brought them into Ireland, and in the Plains of Kildare, not far from the 
Castle of the Naase, , as well by Force of Art, as Strength, miraculously fat them up. Theft Stones 
(according to the British Story) Aurelius Ambrosius, King of the Britains, procured Merlin by 
supernatural  Means to bring from Ireland, into Britain. And, that he might leave some famous 
Monument of so great a Treason to after Ages, in the same Order, and Art, as they stood formerly, 
set them up, where the Flower of the British Nation felt by the cut-throat Practice of the Saxons, and 
where under the Pretence of Peace, the ill secured Touth of the Kingdom, by murdrous Designs were 
slain.
Rainulph Monk of Chester, speaking of Aurelius, allias Aurelianus Ambrosius (by others called 
Ambrosius Aurelianus) faith his Brother Uter Pendragon by help of Merlin the Prophet brought now 
in the Plain of Salisbury: of that bringing of Stoneheng out of Ireland speaketh the British Story, if it 
should lawfully be prowed.
It appears, Ramulph of Chester, as easy Credit as he gave to stange Stories, had not much Confidence 
in this: and if, according to Jeffrey Monmoreth, or Matthew Westminster, I should set it down, I 
presume you would be of his Mind. But I affect not such Conceits, they are neither fitting my 
Discourse, nor your Perusal. Nevertheless, seeing none of them tell us, by what Ways, or Arts, Giants 
(as they will have it) brought them from the remotest Part of Africk into Ireland (for it seems they 
could not handsomely find a Merlin to help them therein also) I shall take so much leave, following 
Jeffrey Monmouth's Steps, as to give you, at least, some Part of the Story, and relate (according to 
their Opinions) how they came from Ireland hither. After Jeffrey Monmouth's Discourse of Uter 
Pendragon's Victory over the Irish, who with Merlin forsooth and a great Army, was sent by A. 
Ambrosius to fetch the Giants Dance, Lapidum structuran adepti (faith he) gavisi sunt & admirati; 
circumstantibus itaque cunctis, accessit Merlinus & ait, utimini viribus vestris juvenes, ut in 
deponendo lapides

 
14 ST o NE-HEN o Reflored.  
rones & Consules. The presixed Day being come, they all, without delay, met in the aforesaid Town, 
and began their Treaty for Peace; when therefore Hengist  saw fit Time for Execution of his intended 
Treason, he cried out, giving the World , NEMET OURE SAXAS (NEM EOWR SEAXES ( faith Verstegan) 
that is, take your SEAXES; a Kind of crooked Knives, which each of the Saxons then carried closely in 
his Pocket) and forthwith seised upon Vortigern, and held him his Robe. The Saxons quickly hearing 
it, drew forth their Knives, and felt upon the Britains standing by, of whom, part Noblemen, part 
Officers of State, expelling no such Design, they slew four hundred and sixty.  Quorum corpora 
beautus Eldadus postmodum sepelivit, atqtte Christiano more humavit, haud longe a KAER-
CARADANE, quae nunc Salesberia dicitur, in coemeterio, quod est juxta coenobium Ambrii. Whose 
Corpses holy Eldad, according to Custom, after Christian Manner interred, not far from KAER-
CARADANE, now called Salisbury, in the Church-yard adjoyning to the Monastery of Ambresbury.  

With this Relation of the Saxons Treachery, Matthew Westminster (in his Flores Historium) seems to 
agree. And it wholly destroys the Opinion commonly received, that the said Treaty with the Saxons, 
the Massacre of the Britains, and likewise their Interment, were at Stone-Heng; and that in Memory 
of those Matters so transacted there, A. Ambrosius in the same Place erected this Antiquity. 
Wherefore, I much wonder, our modern Historians should cite the aforesaid Authors in Confirmation 
thereof, especially when they affirm directy, the Treaty was held in Ambresbury Town, and that the 
British Nobility fell by Treason there. Jussit Vortigernus & cives & Saxones Maiis Kalendis, quae jam  
instare incipiebant, juxta Ambrii coenobium convenire (faith J. Monmouth) Vortigern commanded 
both his own People, and the Saxons upon the Calends of May then approaching, to appear near to 
the Monastery of Ambresbury. In Pago Ambri convenire, to meet in the Town it self of Ambresbury 
(faith Matthew Westminster) In Order to which Summons, (that I may proceed with Jeffrey 
Monmouth’s Story explaining himself positively concerning the Place) statute die instante 
convenerunt omnes intra nominatam urben, &c. the appointed Day being come, all of them met 
together within the forenamed Town, and there treated. The Issue whereof was, that upon the Word 
given (as before related) The Saxons drew their Knives, and falling upon the Britains standing by, slew 
them. And, lest Posterity should doubt those sacrificed for their Country's Cause neclected in their 
Funerals, he leaves not there, but gives us the direct Place and manner of their Burial, affirming 
plainly they were buried by a Metropolitane of those Times, even in a Church-yard, as Christians 
should. In coemeterio, quod est juxta coenobium, In the Church-Yard, close by the Monastery, (faith 
he) There os not one Word mentioned (I pray observe) of Salisbury Plain, where this Antiquity Stone-
Heng remains, throughout all their Story. 
But, it's objected, although they were buried at the Monastery, the Monument for their Memory, 
might be set up elsewhere, in a Place more proper, and more conspicuous; even, as in the most 
properly conspicuous Places where great Actions happened, Trophies were  
  
 
Stone-Heng restored.
were erected by the Romans, whose Customs A. Ambrousius living long Time amongst them, knew 
very well. I answer, A. Ambrosius is suppos'd by Bede, and the best Authors, descended from the 
Romans; who, living many Years under their Subjection, in foreign Parts, had fully inform'd his 
Judgment, no doubt, with whatever Customs, civil or martial, then in Use amongst them. For, though 
the Romans in those Times, had utterly lofst all Knowledge of Arts, questionless civil and material 
Customs, in. some Sort, continued with them. Nevertheless, if A. Ambrosius did erect any Monument 
for the British Nobility, he rather, doubtless, endeavoured to observe the Rules of his own Religion, 
being a Christion, than the Heathenish Customs of his Ancestors. However, in erecting it, at the Place 
of their Interment, he pursued both. As for the Christians honouring to Posterity their famous Men 
after Death, it being so well known, I need not relate it. And, as concerning the ancient Romans 
Manner in burying their Emperors; and those that had triumphed, or otherwise deserved well of the 
Common-wealth, though they burned their bodies abroad, the Place for Sepulture of their Ashes was 
within the City Monuments to their Memory being erected, upon the same Place where buried; so 
was Publicola honoured, so the Fabritii, the Cæsars, and others. And, after the same Fashion it 
seems, was the Monument for the British Nobility (if any) set up where they were interred; as in, the 
Place of all others most proper for it, all the considerable Circumstances touching their Deaths, 
happening there in Manner.  
It's true the Romans set up Trophies for great Victories, in the most eminent Places where those 
Victories were obtained by them, as the Trophy for Caius Marius his vanquishing the Cimbrians in the 
most notable Place where that memorable¡ Field was fought. Also, the Trophy dedicated to the 
Memory of Augustus Cæsar, that by his happy Conduct all the Alpine Nations were reduced to 
Roman Obedience, was erected in the most conspicuous Place of the Alps. Now, this martial Custom 
considered, the British Nobility being (as the aforesaid Historians maintain) slaughtered in the Town, 
and buried at the Monastery adjoyning some one of those high Hills, on either Side Ambresbury, had 
certainly for Sire been more eminent, and the Monument it self more exposed to the daily View of 
Travellers, than about two Miles from the Town, in a Place remote, where this Antiquity stands. 
Which, though indeed eminent of it self, and overlooking the Plains adjoyning; yet, at a large 
Distance, especially on that Side towards Ambresbury, and Salisbury-ward, is so surrounded with 
Hills, as it appears with an Aspect of Religious Horror, rather than as carrying any Form of whatever 
Sepulture. 
This, though sufficient to refute the preceding Objection (the former Reasons being grounded upon 
Customs only) I shall yet, from the Histories of those Times, further answer thereunto; Matthew 
Westminster tells us, A. Ambrosius having completed his Victories over Hengist, and subdued his 
Sons at York; Deine porrexisse ad  monasterium Abrii, ubi Pricipes defuncti  jacebant, quos Hengistus 
prodiderat; from thence came to the Monastery at Ambresbury, where the deceased Nobles, whom 
Hengist betrayed, lay buried.