English Heritage has bought an ancient Neolithic monument in North Yorkshire, which is often referred to as the ‘Stonehenge of the North’, from a private landowner for an undisclosed sum.
Thornborough Henges comprises three large circular earthworks dating from 3000 to 2500 BC. 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 has now acquired the seven-acre mixed-leaf woodland northern henge, bringing the prehistoric monuments under one ownership for the first time in 1,500 years.
English Heritage received £150,000 from The National Heritage Memorial Fund to complete the acquisition, in addition to support from Jamie Ritblat and family and The SCS Trust.
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. English Heritage will ensure that the entire monument is given the care it deserves. 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.”
Duncan Wilson, chief executive of Historic England, added: “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.”
Claire Whitfield, partner in Knight Frank’s rural asset management team, which advised the private landowner on the sale, said: “I am delighted that we have been able to facilitate the sale of the final piece of the Thornborough Henges, on behalf of our client, the local landowner. Reuniting this remarkable ancient monument under single ownership is tremendously gratifying. The northern henge is exceptionally well-preserved and thanks to the funders who have made this possible, will be an outstanding addition to the nation’s heritage assets now cared for by English Heritage.”
