engest. Geoffrey tells us that the high king, Aurelius Ambrosius, wanted to create a fitting memorial to the slain men. Merlin suggested an expedition to Ireland for transplanting the Giant's Ring stone circle to Britain. According to Geoffrey of Monmouth, the stones of the Giant's Ring were originally brought from Africa to Ireland by giants (who else but giants could handle the job?). The stones were located on "Mount Killaraus" and were used as a site for performing rituals and for healing. Led by King Uther and Merlin, the expedition arrived at the spot in Ireland. The Britons, none of whom were giants, apparently, were unsuccessful in their attempts to move the great stones. At this point, Merlin realized that only his magic arts would turn the trick. Therefore, they were dismantled and shipped back to Britain where they were set up as they had been before, in a great circle, around the mass grave of the murdered noblemen. The story goes on to tell that Aurelius, Uther and Arthur's successor, Constantine were also buried there in their time2.Another legend claims that the stones were stolen from an Irish woman by the Devil, and re-erected on Salisbury Plain by Merlin for Ambrosius Aurelianus, the King of Britons. Stonehenge is a World Heritage Site owned by English Heritage. This conservation organization, along with the National Trust (which owns 587ha of land surrounding the monument), is working towards removing the A344 road and improving the landscape around the stones. Their aim is to restore Stonehenge to its isolated dignity. In fact, as one of the most visited monument in England, the site is always overwhelmed with tourists. The best approach is early in the morning or in the evening, when it is not open to the public. There are magnificent views of the monument coming by car from the A303. In the Salisbury Museum are objects found during excavations at Stonehenge and an original William Turner painting of the site.As ...
