Bigstones

Nearest Town: Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire

OS Grid Reference: SP 295 039

Directions: On unclassified road north of Chipping Norton between A44 & A3400. Follow signs for the village of Little Rollright. Site is occasionally signposted, large layby, beware of fast moving traffic! A small charge is made, but is well worth it.

Site Notes: A real rarity for Oxfordshire this one, a genuine Stone Circle, together with an outlier, the Kings Stone, and the remains of a burial chamber The Whispering Knights. The main circle is known as the Kings Men, and is unique in my experience for the closeness of the stones, and their material, oolitic limestone. This stone has suffered erosion over the centuries resulting in a very ‘moth-eaten’ look. You can imagine that when new, the circle must have felt very enclosed.

The circle is in the hands of an organisation, The Friends of the Rollright Stones, and a magnificent job they have done too, an object lesson to the National Trust and English Heritage. They have expanded the layby, bought extra land to improve the aspect of the site, provide guides and running maintenance. This is doubly needed due to the vandalism occasionally inflicted by some passing inbred moron. Visit the stones and their website, and lend your support. Well worth it.