Stanton Drew - A walk through History

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Stanton Drew Stone Circles, nestled in the English countryside of Somerset, stand as a testament to the profound mystery and architectural prowess of ancient peoples. This prehistoric site, comprising three stone circles, is the third-largest collection of prehistoric standing stones in England. The Great Circle, the largest among them, is accompanied by the Northeast Circle and the Southwest Circle, along with associated monuments, including the Cove and the Hautville's Quoit. These formations are believed to date back to the late Neolithic to early Bronze Age, making them over 4,500 years old. While Stonehenge and Avebury might capture more of the limelight, Stanton Drew holds its own unique allure and significance, offering a quieter, introspective look into the past.

WebAR, by virtue of being accessible through a smartphone or tablet's web browser, removes the barrier of needing specialized apps or equipment to experience augmented reality. Visitors to Stanton Drew can simply point their devices at different parts of the site to unlock a wealth of information. This might include detailed descriptions of each stone circle, theories about their original purpose and construction, and even reconstructions of how the site would have looked thousands of years ago. This layer of interactivity and information enriches the visitor experience, making the stones more than silent witnesses to the past; it turns them into storytellers, inviting a deeper understanding and appreciation of their history and significance.

Visitors first encounter a model that outlines the site's layout and highlights key features. Next, they witness the dramatic impact of nine concentric timber rings interspersed among the stones. A stone wrapped in text prompts visitors to ponder the monumental effort of transporting these massive stones from Wales. Guided through various vantage points, users explore alternative theories, such as the possibility of inverted trees forming a roof-like structure, akin to Woodhenge's central feature. The journey culminates at the site's oldest section, where they marvel as the enormous cove stone is virtually restored to its original stance.