Torhouse Stone Circle

Torhouse Stone Circle is around three miles west of Wigtown, and is worth a little wander to. It's easy to find, with enough parking for 4 or 5 cars, and info boards to keep you informed.

Torhouse Stone Circle is estimated to have been constructed around 4,000 years ago, during the Bronze Age. The landscape around Torhouse likely teemed with life, with nomadic communities wandering through the valleys, managing agriculture and looking after animals.

The circle itself comprises nineteen granite boulders, ranging in height from 0.6 to 1.5 meters. They would have been meticulously chosen before being transported to their designated positions. The stones are graded in height, with the most impressive standing proudly on the southeastern arc.

At the heart of the circle there are three large boulders standing in a line. Dubbed King Gauldus's Tomb in the 17th century, the true purpose of these stones remains a mystery. They may have been a focal point for rituals or served an astronomical function, aligning with the stars but we may never know fully.

The surrounding landscape gives a few clues about the significance of Torhouse. Two additional standing stones lie a short distance to the south in another field, while a row of three stones stands further east across the road. These additional stones suggest that the circle was not an isolated monument, but part of a bigger complex with ritualistic or symbolic meaning. Folklore suggests the three nearby stones were the resting place of King Galdus's Generals.

The lack of written records from the Bronze Age leaves us to piece together the purpose of Torhouse Stone Circle through informed speculation. Some possible theories by archaeologists include:

A Ceremonial Centre: The most widely accepted explanation suggests that Torhouse served as a ceremonial centre. The careful arrangement of the stones, coupled with the presence of the central trio, supports the idea that rituals and gatherings took place within the circle. These ceremonies may have been linked to seasonal cycles, death rites, or propitiation of deities.

Astronomical Alignment: Another theory suggests that Torhouse was aligned with celestial bodies. The positioning of the stones might have served as a marker for astronomical phenomena like solstices or equinoxes. Observing these celestial events could have held religious significance or been used for calendrical purposes.

A Marker of the Landscape: Some archaeologists believe that stone circles like Torhouse functioned as markers within the landscape, demarcating territories or serving as focal points for social gatherings. The presence of other standing stones in the vicinity strengthens this theory, suggesting a network of interconnected sites with specific purposes.

A Place of the Dead: The central trio's designation as "King Gauldus's Tomb" hints at a possible funerary role for the circle. However, no human remains have been found within the circle, leaving this theory open to debate. It's possible that the central stones served as a symbolic representation of the afterlife.

The circle is now under the care of Historic Environment Scotland, and you're free to roam around and enjoy the surrounding countryside.