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Nine Stones Stone Circle

Winterbourne Abbas, Dorset

The Nine Stones Also known as Nine Ladies or the Devils Nine Stones

This is a small nine stone circle near Winterbourne Abbas in a wooded glade.

This elliptical prehistoric (Bronze age) stone circle is believed to have been constructed around 4,000 years ago. It stands beneath a canopy of trees in dappled shade right next to the main A35 road. I have read (2008) on a couple of other sites that the top of the large Beech tree has been removed so more light now enters the site.

It is only a small circle - it measures around 9m by 7.8m and consists of 7 stones that measure less than a metre in height, with an entrance at the northwest flanked by 2 much larger stones. One is a thin pillar that stands over 2m high whilst the other is a square block around 1.8m high. The 2 smallest stones in the circle lie opposite the entrance.

The 17th century antiquarian John Aubrey described another circle about half a mile to the west but this has since been destroyed, although a fallen 2m stone, known as the Broad Stone, lies semi-buried beside the road about a mile to the west.

Nearby are the Winterbourne Poor Lot Barrows. This is a cemetery of 44 Bronze Age burial mounds of varying types and sizes, straddling the main A35 road. See this link for details.

  See here for Picture Details

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Site is in the care of English Heritage. Nearby is Kingston Russell Stone Circle.

See also

Our section on stone circles

The discussion on the purpose of stone circles

Planning Grid

Location:

The Nine Stones of Winterbourne Abbas, Dorset

Grid Reference

SY611903   OS Landranger Map 194

Map Link:

Multimap

Google Maps - Aerial Photo

Getting there:

One and half miles SW of Winterbourne Abbas on the A35

Access:

On the roadside of the A35 in Winterbourne Abbas. Walking along the road is dangerous so take care. Through a gate in the iron railings.

Parking:

A small layby opposite, next to the barn. Cross the road with care.

Facilities:

None

Things To Do, See and Photograph:

Small stones overlooked by a large Beech tree.

What to take:

 

Nature highlights:

 

Best Times to Visit:

 

Address:

Winterbourne Abbas

Nr Dorchester

Dorset

Postcode:

DT2

Telephone:

 

E-mail:

 

Website:

http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/server/show/nav.15798

Opening times:

All year - any reasonable time

Charges:

None

Photo Restrictions:

None
Other Restrictions: None
Special Needs Access:  
Special Needs Facilities: None
Children Facilities: Layby by busy road
Dogs Allowed: Allowed

Other useful websites:

http://www.themodernantiquarian.com/site/47

CIN Page Ref:

nine_stones_stone_circle

 Date Updated: 03/08

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