The legends surrounding Stonehenge are endless; from construction by giants to Druidic power key, to a signpost for alien aircrafts, Stonehenge's existence remains a mystery. What is known, however, is that the smaller "bluestones," (but perhaps not the large Sarsen stones), were brought from quarries in South Wales.
Significant to Arthurian legend is the belief that Merlin caused the stones to be brought, over sea and land, from Ireland. But, judging by Merlin's supposed birthplace in Caermarthen, Southern Wales, legend has probably grown around the fact that some of the stones, at least, were floated up water channels from Wales. It may have seemed that the stones came from much further away, when in fact, they were already on the British continent.
Salisbury: Youth Hostel, Milford Hill, Phone: 0722-327572
Ron and Jenny Coats, 51 Salt Lane, Phone: 0722-327443
Salisbury is quite close to both Stonehenge and Amesbury, a nearby location also with a stone circle, a dolmen, and an ancient abby, believed to be one to which Guenivere retired after Arthur's death.
Also fairly close, and on the main railway from London to Land's End, is Exeter. Exeter is also a convenient location for visiting Arthur's birthplace in Tintagel.
Youth Hostel, 47 Countess Wear Rd., Phone: 0392-873329
The Highbury, 85 St. David's Hill, Phone: 0392-58288
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