Review

WEA Llanelli learns of Stonehenge Blue Stones Controversy

BY David Edwards

16 October 2025

At the inaugural talk in Llanelli's WEA 25/6 programme of events there was a large audience to hear what turned out to be a fascinating but controversial presentation by Carmarthen born eminent glaciologist Dr Brian John.

Brian had entitled his talk "The Stonehenge Blue Stones, mythology versus Science". Using maps he described the route of three glacial episodes that had resulted in a variety of rocks and boulders being deposited in both West Wales and the area where Stonehenge was later to be sited.

He went on to explain how, from the days of Geoffrey of Monmouth, myths had developed claiming that the Stonehenge rocks - including the Blue Stones - had somehow been transported 230 km from the Preseli mountains through heavily forested and undulating countryside to what is now Wiltshire, in order to erect the Stonehenge stone circles.

In an attempt to prove this, in recent years, archaeologists have excavated what were thought to be the quarries from which the Blue Stones had originated, but without finding convincing evidence: their work continues.

In contrast, Brian contends that the 'glacial rock delivery service' meant that the materials needed for Stonehenge were readily to hand within a few miles of the site. 'Why quarry when stones are scattered ready to take', he said, adding 'why haul stones 230km when what you need is close by'?

The audience gave this interesting talk a warm reception and it seems likely that the controversy will run for a while yet.

The next talk in the Llanelli WEA programme will take place in the Lliedi suite on Nov 20th at 7pm for 7.30 when Jon Gower will speak on 'Bird Life'. All Welcome.

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