Stonehenge is a prehistoric monument near Salisbury, Wiltshire, which has fascinated Britons for centuries. It consists of several standing stones, measuring roughly 13 feet in height each and weighing roughly 25 tonnes in total. Archaeologists believe it was constructed from 3,000BC to 2,000BC and was a burial ground for an ancient society.

However, a discovery made just two miles away may help to answer the age-long question on this monument’s true purpose.

Durrington Walls, located in the Stonehenge World Heritage Site, is believed to have been the location of one of Europe’s largest villages at one point in time.

However, new evidence suggests the first creation of the site was actually knocked down, to make room for structures built over the top. 

Morgan Freeman’s “Story of God” revealed how archaeologists Vince Gaffney and Paul Garwood led a team to make the bombshell discovery. 

The radar located a series of very large features that had remained undetected for thousands of years

Vince Gaffney

Using laser technology in 2015, the group was able to discover how the site was changed.

Recalling the breakthrough in Mr Freeman’s 2017 Netflix documentary, Mr Gaffney said: “The radar located a series of very large features that had remained undetected for thousands of years. 

“There was an earlier monument of a very different form on this site looking towards Beacon Hill, to the east.

“The rocks have been pushed over and the bank of the later monument has actually been placed on top of them.

“It moved in orientation and, presumably, the function changed.”

The pair believe the new monument was built to match that of Stonehenge and thus face the sun.

Mr Garwood claimed: “The creation of Stonehenge itself and the building of the new architecture, Durrington Walls, suggests a shift towards a greater emphasis on the sun.

“The sun was the main focus of religious interest. 

“The builders were trying to establish a very particular connection with the sun.”

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