United Kingdom

Clach an Trushal

Neolithic standing stone, Isle of Lewis

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Historical Context

About

Clach an Trushal (Scottish Gaelic: Clach an Truiseil, Scottish Gaelic pronunciation: [kʰl̪ˠax ən̪ˠ ˈt̪ʰɾuʃal], translated to English "Stone of Compassion") is said to be the tallest standing stone in Scotland. Above ground it stands approximately 5.8 metres (19 feet 0 inches) tall, is 1.83 m (6 ft 0 in) wide and at its thickest point is 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) thick, with a girth at its base of 4.75 m (15 ft 7 in). The stone is sited in the village of Ballantrushal on the west side of Lewis. Local legend says that it marks the site of a great battle, the last to be fought between the feuding clans of the Macaulays and Morrisons. However it is actually the solitary upright stone remaining from a stone circle built about 5,000 years ago. It occupied a place within the circle, although its placement was not central. The second last standing stone was removed in 1914, and used as a lintel. From the base the stone circle at Steinacleit archaeological site is clearly visible to the north east. The Callanish standing stones are 20 miles (30 kilometres) southwest.

Paleolithic
Mesolithic
Neolithic
Chalcolithic
Bronze Age
Iron Age
Classical Period
Post-Classical Period
Early Modern Period
Industrial Period
Contemporary Period
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Stone circle construction

about 5,000 years ago

Removal of second-to-last stone

1914

Classification

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Religious and Ritual Structures

Stelae
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Monuments
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Astronomical and Timekeeping Structures

Stone Alignments
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Details

Country

United Kingdom

Coordinates

58.39° N, -6.50° E