Framed Print : Stonehenge. Re-erection of Trilithon lintel in 1958 P50217

EDITORS COMMENTS

This photograph, taken by R J C Atkinson in January 1958, documents a significant moment in the history of Stonehenge. The image captures the re-erection of Trilithon lintel 158, one of the most iconic stones at this prehistoric site located in Wiltshire, England. Stonehenge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a remarkable Neolithic and Bronze Age monument dating back to around 3000 BC. The monument consists of a circular arrangement of massive stones, some weighing up to 50 tons, arranged in a complex design. The Trilithons, or trilithons, are unique structures composed of two upright stones supporting a third stone on top. Lintel 158 is one of only five remaining trilithons at Stonehenge. The re-erection of this lintel was a monumental task, requiring the use of two cranes, including the 60-ton Brabazon Crane, which is visible in the photograph. The crane is lowering the lintel into its final position atop upright stones 57 and 58. The people in the image are man-handling the lintel into place, a testament to the collaborative efforts of those involved in the preservation and restoration of this ancient wonder. This photograph is a poignant reminder of the ongoing efforts to understand and preserve the mysteries of Stonehenge and the prehistoric world. It also highlights the importance of the past in shaping our understanding of human history and our connection to the land and the people who came before us.