Thornborough Henges: Prehistoric Yorkshire sites reunited under one owner

The henges are believed to have hosted ceremonies and rituals

A North Yorkshire prehistoric site, sometimes dubbed the "Stonehenge of the North", has been reunited.

The final of three Thornborough Henges has been acquired by English Heritage, guaranteeing public access to the monuments.

The charity said it was the first time all three henges had been united under a single owner in 1,500 years.

The complex, near Ripon, dates back to between 3500BC to 2500BC and consists of three circular earthworks.

Each one is about 820ft (250m) in diameter and surrounded by an earthwork bank, which may have stood up to 13ft (4m), split by two opposing entrances.

It is believed the banks would have originally been covered in the mineral gypsum, which is common in the area, making them glow white.

English Heritage announced on Friday that the northern henge would now join the central and southern henges within the National Heritage Collection.

The charity said this would allow them to share the "full story" of the site with visitors.

The rising of the star Sirius would have been framed within the southern entrance of all three henges, English Heritage says

Gerard Lemos CMG CBE, chair of English Heritage, said: "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."

Historic England previously said that archaeological finds in this area suggested the henges were probably built as ceremonial or ritual centres and may also have served as trading centres and meeting places.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, whose constituency includes the site, welcomed its preservation.

"Having recently visited the henges site, I know how truly remarkable the totality of the monument is," he said.