Stonehenge: the Timeless Mystery of Britain’s Ancient Stones

The first time Stonehenge was captured on camera

There are places in the world that everyone seems to know, even if they’ve never set foot there. Stonehenge is one of them. These giant stones on Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire, England, have fascinated travelers, artists, photographers, and filmmakers for centuries. But beyond the myths of druids and the sun’s alignment, there’s another fascinating story: the way Stonehenge entered the visual record. From the first photographs in the mid-19th century to aerial shots in the early 20th, this monument has been one of the most photographed and recognizable landmarks on Earth.

Early aerial view of Stonehenge taken in 1906 by Philip Henry Sharpe. Public domain, link.

From early engravings to timeless photographs

Long before cameras existed, Stonehenge was already a popular subject of sketches and engravings. But when photography arrived in the 19th century, it became a new way to capture the mystery. One of the earliest known photographs dates back to 1877, showing the stones standing lonely in the windswept plain. These early photos feel raw and atmospheric — you can almost sense the quiet isolation that surrounded the site.

Later, in the 20th century, as film technology advanced, Stonehenge appeared in moving images. The very fact that such an ancient site was caught on motion picture reels only heightened its legendary status. Tourists began arriving in larger numbers, drawn not just by ancient myths but also by the images they had seen in newspapers and postcards.

19th-century photograph of Stonehenge on Salisbury Plain

Stonehenge, Salisbury Plain, 19th century. Public domain, link.

One of the earliest photographs of Stonehenge from 1877. Public domain, link.

Historic image of Stonehenge on Salisbury Plain in the late 1800s

Stone Henge, Salisbury Plain, late 19th century. Public domain, link.

Stonehenge during moments of history

Stonehenge wasn’t just a backdrop for tourists. It also stood silently as world history unfolded around it. During the First World War, soldiers of the Canadian Expeditionary Force were photographed passing the site in 1914. It is striking to see this ancient circle of stones in the background while young men in uniform marched toward uncertain futures. This single image connects thousands of years of human experience — from Neolithic builders to modern soldiers.

By the 1960s, the site had become even more iconic. A famous photograph from 1967 shows visitors walking freely among the stones, something no longer allowed today. These images remind us not only of Stonehenge’s endurance but also of how our relationship with it has changed over time.

Visitors walking among the stones of Stonehenge in 1967. Public domain, link.

Canadian soldiers passing Stonehenge in 1914 during WWI

Visitors walking among the stones of Stonehenge in 1967. Public domain, link.

Stonehenge today: from mystery to modern fame

In the 21st century, Stonehenge continues to attract millions of visitors. Thanks to drones and high-resolution cameras, we now see the monument from angles that early photographers could only dream of. Modern photos capture the stones glowing under dramatic sunsets, or perfectly aligned with the solstices. But even with all the new technology, the essence remains the same: Stonehenge still speaks to us across thousands of years.

Today, it’s not just an archaeological site — it’s a global cultural symbol. From pop culture references to UNESCO heritage status, Stonehenge’s fame is inseparable from the countless images that have circulated around the world. In many ways, it became immortal not only because it survived millennia, but because photography made it unforgettable.