New research on origin of Stonehenge rock leaves experts 'stunned'

New research suggests Stonehenge's Altar Stone is actually Scottish not Welsh

Stonehenge is a historical monument experts have been trying to 'crack' for many years.

Now brand new research into the origins of the stone used to make up the circle suggests its Altar Stone came from Scotland and not Wales as first thought.

This research suggests one of the most famous stones in the world was moved at least 435 miles, which is much further than first thought.

For the last century, the six-tonne sandstone was believed to have come from Wales, like the majority of Stonehenge's smaller bluestones.

What do we know about the Altar Stone?

One of the stones making up one of the most famous monuments in the world was moved at least 435 miles, scientists say

It's unclear exactly when the stone arrived at the site which can be found on Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire.

However, scientists who carried out the new research say it may have been placed within the central horseshoe of Stonehenge's stones during the second construction phase - around 2620-2480 BC.

It's not known whether the stone, which lies horizontal, once stood upright.

Stonehenge was built around 5,000 ago

After work which examined the stone's chemical make up, scientists can say with 95% confidence the sandstone is very likely to have come from north-east Scotland.

"These findings are truly remarkable - they overturn what had been thought for the past century," said Professor Richard Bevins from Aberystwyth University who is the who is the co-author of the study.

"We have succeeded in working out, if you like, the age and chemical fingerprints of, perhaps, one of the most famous of stones in the world-renowned ancient monument.

"It's thrilling to know that our chemical analysis and dating work has finally unlocked this great mystery."

Scientists now hope to figure our exactly where in north-east Scotland the Altar Stone came from.