Home > Europe > United Kingdom > England > Oxfordshire > Stonor
Devils Quoit CC72_02480
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Historic England
Devils Quoit CC72_02480
The Devils Quoit, Stanton Harcourt, Oxfordshire. Henry Taunt stands by the Devils Quoit no 1 showing the scale of this massive standing stone. Alas, it and its fellows are no longer standing, the victims in 1940 of the wartime need for an aerodrome on the site
Historic England is the public body that champions and protects England's historic places
Media ID 12422366
© Historic England Archive
Folklore Prehistoric Standing Stone
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> Oxfordshire
> Related Images
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> Oxfordshire
> Stonor
> Historic England
> Seasons
> Seasons: Autumn
> Halloween
EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative photograph captures the mysterious and enigmatic atmosphere of the Devils Quoit, a once proud prehistoric standing stone located in Stanton Harcourt, Oxfordshire. The image, taken by Henry Taunt, showcases Taunt standing next to Quoit No. 1, providing a sense of scale to the immense size of this ancient monument. The Devils Quoit, a collection of five large standing stones, was a significant landmark in the area for centuries, shrouded in local folklore and intrigue. However, the tranquility and serenity depicted in this photograph are a stark contrast to the events that unfolded in 1940. The wartime need for an aerodrome led to the unfortunate destruction of the Devils Quoit and its companions. The once proud stones, which had stood the test of time for thousands of years, were no match for the relentless progress of modernization. The Devils Quoit, also known as the Stanton Harcourt Stones, is believed to date back to the Neolithic or Bronze Age. Its exact purpose remains a mystery, with theories suggesting it may have been used for religious or ceremonial purposes. The stones were also believed to possess magical properties and were the subject of numerous local legends. Despite their destruction, the memory of the Devils Quoit lives on, preserved in photographs like this one, and in the stories and folklore of the local community. The image serves as a poignant reminder of the past, a testament to the transient nature of human history, and a call to appreciate and protect the ancient monuments that still stand among us.
MADE IN AUSTRALIA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
FREE COLORIZATION SERVICE
You can choose advanced AI Colorization for this picture at no extra charge!
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.