Chapter III: Part 3

_Suetonius_, when resolving for fight, _deligit locum artis faucibus, & à tergo silvâ clausum, satis cognito, nihil hostium nisi in fronte, & apertam planitiem esse sine metu insidiarum. Choosed a place with a narrow entrance, enclosed behind with a wood, being well assured, he had no enemies but before him, and the Plain being open was without fear of Ambush._ Thus _Tacitus_ describes the field, the _Roman_ Army consisting of scarce ten thousand armed men. In what part of _Britan_ soever this Plain lay, it was, for certain, of no great extent, being hardly able to contain the vast multitudes of _Boadicia’s_ Army; computed two hundred and thirty thousand fighting men, by _Dion_, and therefore could not possibly be _Salisbury_ Plain. For, the _Britans_ placing their carts and wagons _supra extremum ambitium campi, in the utmost borders of the field_, had so environed their Army therewith, that upon the rout given, they could hardly flee away, _quia circumjecta vehicula sepserant abitus, by reason the carts_ (saith _Tacitus_) _hedged in the passages on every side_, and (to use _Anonymus_ own words) _were like a wall against evasion_. Now, if the _Britans_ had so surrounded the utmost borders of _Salisbury_ Plain, and in such manner barricado’d up all the passages thereof, their numbers should rather have been millions then thousands, as every man knowing those Plains must needs confesse. Besides, _Anonymus_ self tels us, _after the_ Britans _in the head of their battel began to shrink and turn, that alone was a blow to all behind, who being many score of thousands, remain’d untoucht, during the fight, because they could never come up to handy-strokes, for_ want of room _in the narrowings of the field_. He told us even now there was scope enough. _Whereabout in these parts of_ Britain, (saith he) _that very place was, unlesse it were upon_ Salisbury _Plain, where there is a black heath, and_ scope enough, _is not for me to imagine_. Now, on the contrary, when coming to the issue, he tels us the Plain was narrow, and they _wanted room_. Did the _Britans_ want room in the field, and were on _Salisbury_ Plain? Surely, in the heat of his describing the Battel _Anonymus_ forgot his own invention; the fury of the _Romans_, in beating down the _British_ squadrons, therewith dasht the main force of his conceit to peeces. Suspicious and jealous men had need of good memories. Upon the aforesaid situation he might rather have observed, the great experience of the _Romane Generall_ in martiall affairs, then from thence suggested, the _Britans_ in point of honour erected _Stoneheng_ to the memory of _Boadicia_, _Suetonius_ not onely choosing to make good a straight enclosed behinde with a wood, for securing his own small Troops, but such a straight also, where the Plain, or field before it, was not of sufficient extent for _Boadicia_ to marshall her great Army in. Furthermore, _Anonymus_ determining (it seems) to parcell out his ground proportionable to the numbers, undertakes to give posterity an exact survey of this Plain, telling us, it _was a Plain of five or six miles over_: This makes it more apparent ’twas not _Salisbury_ Plain, which far and wide so expatiates it self through the middle of _Wiltshire_, that it is not onely _five or six miles_, but (as I may say) five times six miles over. This famous battell then, being struck upon a Plain hardly capable of _Boadicia’s_ Army, was not fought upon _Salisbury_ Plain; but, on some other, which _Suetonius Paulinus_ found best for his own advantage, and therefore _Stoneheng_ (as _Anonymus_ would fain have it) could not be the Sepulchre of _Boadicia_.

[Sidenote: _Dion. Cass. lib. 62._]

Concerning _Boadicia’s_ magnificent obsequies; a mighty Prince may be buried with great solemnity, yet no materiall Monument dedicated to his memory. Examples of this kinde are so frequent, there needs no mention of them. _Humaverunt magnificè_, (they are _Dions_ words) the _Britans_ laid her into the earth magnificently, with as much pomp, happily, and honour, attending her to the grave, as their barbarous customs for their glorious Chieftain would admit; but, that they raised any Monument, or erected whatsoever kinde of Sepulchre for her, much lesse so notable a structure as _Stoneheng_, he no where tels us. Which had the _Britans_ done, the Historian could not avoid, taking more knowledge thereof, then of her bare enterment, and would undoubtedly have recorded it. Again, grant _Salisbury_ Plain the place of Battell, yet, _Dion_ saith not, they buried her magnificently where the battell fought, only, _Humaverunt magnificè_: adding withall, those, that escaped the field, prepared to re-enforce themselves for a new triall, in the mean while a disease seizing on _Bunduica_, she died. Now then, after so terrible an overthrow, wherein ’tis reported she lost fourscore thousand _Britans_; _Boadicia_, in all likelihood, endevoured to recover the _Icenian_ Countreys, her principall strength; having in her speech before the Battell insinuated the fenny parts thereof, as a refuge if the worst should happen. In what Countreys else could they recruit? where falling sick she died, (whether by violent or naturall death is not materiall) and as ever observed among all Nations, was, no doubt, buried in her own territories, among the graves of her renowned Ancestors.

[Sidenote: _Ner. Cæs. fo. 117._]

[Sidenote: _Sueton. in Ner._]

[Sidenote: _Dion. Cas. lib. 62._]

That the _Britans_, untill _Julius Agricolas_ time, had learned nothing (as _Anonymus_ takes speciall notice) but _to fight, and were no handicraftsmen_, whereby they might be capable of erecting such works as _Stoneheng_, being already fully proved from _Tacitus_, I will adde, the ringleaders or heads of commotions against Empires and Commonwealths were anciently, (in many Countreys at this day) not only themselves punishable by the Laws with death, but their whole families and kindred though guiltlesse, suffered in like manner; their very houses also, being razed to the ground, lest any knowledge of such pernicious undertakings should remain visible to posterity: and a capitall crime it was, in whomsoever that restor’d them. How comes it then, _Boadicia_ the principall promoter, and Head of an insurrection so fatall, as accounted by _Suetonius Tranquillus_, among the infortunate losses of the _Roman_ Empire, and the more ignominious by a womans conduct, should be permitted by the conquering _Romans_, a monument to eternize her fame to succeeding Ages? _Boadicia_, that ript up the bellies of the _Roman_ Legionaries, and cutting out their bowels impal’d their bodies upon burning stakes; that hanged up the most noble and honourable _Roman Dames_ naked, and slicing off their paps, sowed them to their mouths, as in act of eating them; that in scalding water boiled the _Roman_ infants, and young children to death; their Parents, Husbands, and Commanders unable to relieve them, but enforced to give way, and happy in so saving themselves from the cruell inhumanities of the _Conqueresse_. _We fought for to live_, saith _Tacitus_. Yet, when ere long afterwards, victoriously recovering _Britain_ to _Cæsar_, by so memorable a battell as compared to their victories of old, should the _Romans_ suffer the enthralled _Britans_ to erect a Trophy to her memory, whose purpose was absolutely to root out all that was _Roman_ here? what greater infamy to the _Roman_ name, except the permission of it? They, who rased and broke in peeces whatever titles and inscriptions, bearing the names of their _Cæsars_; pulled down and demolished the royall _Ensigns_, _Trophies_, _Statues_, _Temples_, or whatever else sacred, to their own Emperors, when actively administring to the prejudice of the _Romane_ State; would they permit any publick monuments be erected to the memory of a conquered Prince, of an Enemy so barbarously cruell as _Boadicia_? That she lives in History, they could not prevent; so live their worst of Emperors. Moreover, publick Monuments were in all ages set up in honour of the Vanquishers, not vanquished; respecting which, _Anonymus_ should also, either have made _Boadicia_ Victresse, or never supposed _Stoneheng_ her Sepulchre.

[Sidenote: _Ner. Cæs. fo. 182._]

[Sidenote: _Tacit. Ann. lib. 14._]

The time assigned by _Anonymus_, for erecting these _orderly irregular, and formlesse uniform heaps of massive marble_, (as he cals them) _to the everlasting remembrance of Boadicia_, is much above fifteen hundred years since: _Petronius Turpilianus_ succeeding _Suetonius Paulinus_ in the Leivtenancy of _Britain_; who by his idle and lazy life, making the world beleeve there was peace here: _Anonymus_ will have it a proper time, for permitting _such an office to the Britans_, in _Boadicia’s_ honour. Times of peace, ’tis confest, when _Arts_ flourish under nobly minded Governours, are chiefly proper for erecting magnificent buildings. The Government under _Petronius_ was guilty of none of these. As for the State of _Britain_ in generall, _Tacitus_ in the life of _Agricola_ tels us, _Petronius_ had composed the former troubles; but in what sort, the fourteenth book of his _Annals_ declares; _non irritato hoste, neque lacessitus, neither the Enemy, incensed him; nor he, provoked the Enemy_: otherwise _Petronius_ durst not do. And, if peace setled, why doth the Historian call them Enemies? Concerning his own person in particular, _Petronius_ gave himself over to an unprofitable life, disguising it under the honourable name of peace. _Honestum pacis nomen segni otio imposuit_, saith _Tacitus_. And, the _Britans_ (as said before) were not then civilized, nor friends to such Arts as either nourish or are nourished by peace, therefore such a work of wonder as this _Antiquity_ famed, not to be expected from them. For, as through the malignities of the Age, wherein _Aurelius Ambrosius_ lived, the _Britans_ had utterly lost the practice of all those _Sciences_, in times foregoing, learned by their Auncestors from the _Romans_: so, through the neglect of civil policy in the preceding _Roman_ Governours, in this Leivtenancy of _Petronius_, the _Britans_ had not attained the knowledge of any those _Arts_, not many years afterwards, taught their posterity by the _Romans_. Whole imperiall Eagles took not wing in _Britain_ with such lofty speed, as over other Countreys; _The_ Britans _being a fierce Nation, slowly giving ear to any peace_, the _Romans_ had work enough in subduing them. _Julius Cæsar_ rather shewed the Island to his successors, then left them possession of it: _Augustus_ and _Tiberius_ held it policy to neglect it: _Caligula_ intending to invade _Britain_, was diverted by his Wars in _Germany_: _Claudius_ first prosecuting the conquest with effect, established the colony at _Camalodunum_, and his Leivtenants _Aulus Plautius_, _Flavius Vespasianus_, _Ostorius Scapula_, and _Didius Gallus_ by little and little, after much contest, and various successe, subdued certain Countries; and reducing the nearest part of the Island to the form of a Province, built also, or rather cast up some few fortifications further within the land: _Nero’s_ Generals had much to do in keeping, what their predecessors gained; _Suetonius Paulinus_ (under him) struck that fortunate battell with _Boadicia_, else the _Romans_ beaten out of all. So that, in the time of _Petronius_, the _Romans_ having obtained no such assured dominion over the _Britans_, as might make them, themselves confident to undertake great and stately buildings here, for their own either publick, or private accommodations; (the ruine of _Camalodunum_ being too fresh in memory) occasion was not offered, nor the time yet come, to let the _Britans_ know by what _Arts_ all civill Nations of the world, did erect their excessive, rather then not magnificent structures, for eternizing their names to succeeding generations. And therefore, the Leivtenancy of _Petronius Turpilianus_, not proper for building this _stony marvell_, as _Anonymus_ suspects. For, beside what’s delivered, whensoever _Stoneheng_ built, the preparation only of materials for the work, and bringing them to the place, what _Engines_ or _Arts_ soever used, necessarily, spent more time, then _Petronius_ consumed in the whole continuance of his government here. What tumults succeeded him, let others declare.

[Sidenote: _Suet. in Vespas._]

Furthermore, _if those_ times of _Petronius_ would not, _yet_ (saith _Anonymus_) _other ensuing seasons might permit such an office to the_ Britans, _her name for ever glorious among them_. The hainousnesse of her Rebellion, horridnesse of her cruelties, and inveterate hatred _Boadicia_ bore to the _Romans_, whereby _her name for ever infamous among them_, clearly manifest all other _ensuing seasons_, equally improper for those ancient inhabitants of this Island, to erect _Stoneheng_. If the _Britans_, once attaining the _Romane_ manner of _Architecture_, in any succeeding times had expelled the _Romans_, and been triumphant; some probable reason, at least, _Anonymus_ might have alledged, towards advancing his opinion. But _Boadicia_ and her _Complices_ overthrown, the _Roman_ Power in this Island encreasing dayly, and the liberty of the _Britans_ as fast declining, no following _season_ could be opportunely favourable, for undertaking such a work by them; the erecting whereof, yea the sole endeavouring to commemorate by such publick means, so mortall an enemy to the _Romans_ as _Boadicia_: nothing but the dearest lives of the bold attempters, could, certainly, expiate. The _Temple_ upon Mount _Cœlius_ at _Rome_, begun to _Claudius_ sacred memory by _Agrippina_, was destroyed to the very foundations by _Nero_. If then, insulting _Agrippina_ might not erect a memorable structure, to the glory of her deceased _Cæsar_; whom the _Senate_ and _People_ of _Rome_, in all solemne manner deified: What oppressed _Britan_, durst undertake the raising a publick Monument to the honour of vanquished _Boadicia_, whom the State (in all reason) for ever declared enemy to the _Roman_ Empire? And though, after a long succession of years, the _Romans_ abandoned this Island, yet, when departed, the _Britans_ were left in such deplorable condition, (at large declared before) that, albeit _her name_ never so glorious among them, they had much more to do, in saving their own miserable lives from plague, famine, and the sword, then any opportunity, or ability to erect whatever Monument to the glory of _Boadicia_. But, of this enough; the invalidity of _Anonymus_ opinion especially respected. The discovering the originall foundation of an _Antiquity_ so famous, being not to be enforced by jealous suspicions, raised upon bare and groundlesse conjectures.

• • • • •

This _Antiquity_ (call’d by _Henry Huntingdon, The second_: by _Poly-olbion_

——_First wonder of the land_)

because the _Architraves_ are set upon the heads of the upright stones, and hang (as it were) in the air, is generally known by the name of _Stone-heng_. It is sited upon the Plain in the County of _Wiltshire_ in _England_, not far from _Ambresbury_ (the foundations of whose ancient buildings, frequently digged up, render it to have been in times past a _Town_ of no small fame) six miles at least from new _Salisbury_ northwards.

The whole work, in generall, being of a circular form, is one hundred and ten foot diameter, double winged about without a roof, anciently environed with a deep Trench, still appearing about thirty foot broad. So that, betwixt it, and the work it self, a large and void space of ground being left, it had, from the Plain, three open entrances, the most conspicuous thereof lying North-east. At each of which, was raised, on the outside of the Trench aforesaid, two huge stones gate-wise, parallel whereunto, on the inside two others of lesse proportion. The inner part of the work, consisting of an _Exagonall_ figure, was raised, by due symmetry, upon the bases of four equilaterall triangles, (which formed the whole structure) this inner part likewise was double, having, within it also, another _Exagon_ raised, and all that part within the Trench sited upon a commanding ground, eminent, and higher by much, then any of the Plain lying without, and, in the midst thereof, upon a foundation of hard chalk, the work it self was placed. Insomuch, from what part soever they came unto it, they rose by an easie ascending hill.

Which, that it may be the more clearly demonstrated, (being by me, with no little pains, and charge measured, and the foundations thereof diligently searched) I have reduced into _Design_, not onely as the ruine thereof now appears, but as (in my judgement) it was in its pristine perfection. And that the groundplot, with the uprights, and profyle of the whole work may the more distinctly be understood, I have purposely countersigned each _Design_ of them with _Numbers_, and the particular parts thereof with _Letters_.

Nu. 1

Signifies the Plant of the whole work in generall, with the Trench round about it, drawn by a small scale, that it may be seen all at one view.

_A_

The Trench.

_B_

The Intervall betwixt the Trench and Work.

_C_

[Sidenote: _Rosin. lib. 2._]

The Work it self; in the inmost part whereof, there is a stone appearing not much above the surface of the earth, (and lying towards the East) four foot broad, and sixteen foot in length. Which, whether it might be an _Altar_ or no, I leave to the judgement of others, because so overwhelmed with the ruines of the Work, that I could make no search after it, but even with much difficulty, took the aforesaid proportion thereof. Yet for my part, I can apprehend no valid reason to the contrary, except that the whole constructure being circular in form, the Altar should rather have been placed upon the center of the Circle, then enclining to the circumference. Neverthelesse it cannot be denied, but being so sited, the _Cell_ (as I may call it) was thereby left more free, for the due performance of those severall superstitious rites, which their Idolatry led them to. Besides, though the _Altare_ amongst the _Ancients_ was exalted and raised somwhat high above the earth; yet, their _Ara_ was made quadrangular, not very high, and as some will have it close to the ground, being consecrated as well to the supernall as infernall Deities: and therefore in respect of the form, it may hold well enough it was anciently an Altar.

_D_

The supposed Altar.

_E_

The great stones which made the entrances from the outside of the Trench, seven foot broad, three foot thick, and twenty foot high.

_F_

The parallel stones, on the inside of the Trench, four foot broad, and three foot thick; but they lie so broken, and ruined by time, that their proportion in height cannot be distinguisht, much lesse exactly measured.

_G_

The scale of fifty foot.

• • • • •

The _Design_ follows.

Nu. 2

The Groundplot of the work, as when first built, in a greater form, with the foure equilaterall triangles making the _Scheame_, by which the whole work was composed.

_H_

The six principall entrances, three whereof directly opposite to those of the Trench.

_I_

The stones which made the outward Circle, seven foot in breadth; three foot and an half thick, and fifteen foot and an half high: each stone having two tenons mortaised into the _Architrave_, continuing upon them, throughout the whole circumference. For, these _Architraves_, being joynted directly in the middle of each of the perpendicular stones that their weight might have an equall bearing, and upon each side of the joynt a tenon wrought, (as remains yet to be seen) it may positively be concluded thereby, the _Architrave_ continued round about this outward circle.

_K_

The smaller stones of the inner circle, one foot and an half in bredth, one foot thick, and six foot high. These had no _Architraves_ upon them, but were raised perpendicular, of a pyramidall form. That, there was no _Architrave_ upon these, may be hence concluded, the stones being too small to carry such a weight, the spaces being also too wide, to admit of an _Architrave_ upon them without danger of breaking, and being but six foot high, there could not, possibly, be a convenient head-height remaining for a passage underneath, especially, considering fully the greatnesse of the whole work.

_L_

The stones of the greater _Hexagon_, seven foot and an half in breadth, three foot nine inches thick, and twenty foot high, each stone having one tenon in the middle.

_M_

The stones of the _Hexagon_ within, two foot six inches in breadth, one foot and an half thick, and eight foot high, in form pyramidall, like those of the inner circle.

• • • • •

The Scale which hath this mark, _X_, is of thirty foot, by which likewise all the ensuing _Designs_ are drawn.

• • • • •

The _Design_ follows.

Nu. 3

The upright of the work, as when entire, in which the perpendicular stones of the outward circle, are countersigned with the Letter _I_, as in the groundplot.

_N_

The _Architrave_ lying round about upon them, being mortaised into them, and joynted in the middle of each of the perpendicular stones. This _Architrave_ is three foot and an half broad, and two foot and an half high.

_O_

The _Architrave_ lying on the top of the great stones of the _Hexagon_, and mortaised also into them, sixteen foot long, three foot nine inches broad, and three foot four inches high. This _Architrave_ continuing onely from stone to stone, left betwixt every two and two, a void space free to the Air uncovered. For, if they had been continued throughout the whole _Hexagon_, then necessarily there must have been two tenons upon each of the said stones, as those of the outward circle had, but being disposed as aforesaid, that one, which was in the middle, and yet remains apparent, was sufficient for the thing intended.

Nu. 4

The Profyle, or cut, through the middle of the work, as entire, countersigned with the Letters of the Groundplot.

The _Designs_ follow.

Nu. 5

The whole work in _Prospective_, as when entire, whereby the generall composure of the particular parts of the uprights, are together all seen: and, by which also, the stately Aspect, and magnificent greatnesse thereof, are fully, and more apparently conspicuous.

Nu. 6

The Groundplot of the work, as it now stands, countersigned with the same Letters by which the Plant marked _Nu. 2_ is described. The stones of the greater _Hexagon_, and outward circle, after so long contest with the violence of time, and injury of weather, are for the most part standing at this day; which, though not all at their full height, as when first set up, yet the Footsteps neverthelesse, of so many of them as exprest in the _Design_, are still remaining in their proper places. Those of the inner circle, and lesser _Hexagon_, not only exposed to the fury of all devouring Age, but to the rage of men likewise, have been more subject to ruine. For, being of no extraordinary proportions, they might easily be beaten down, or digged up, and at pleasure, made use of for other occasions. Which, I am the rather enduced to beleeve, because, since my first measuring the work, not one fragment of some then standing, are now to be found.

Nu. 7

The Ruine yet remaining drawn in _Prospective_.

_P_

The manner of the tenons, of a round form, mortaised into the _Architrave_ of the outward Circle.

_Q_

The tenons of like form in the middle of the stones of the greater _Hexagon_.

_R_

The English foot (by which the work it self was measured) divided into twelve inches, and each inch subdivided into four parts.

The _Designs_ follow.

Hitherto, upon what occasion _Stoneheng_ built (you may easily perceive) is very doubtfull, the true History of those times, when first erected, and by which the memory of things especially made over to succeeding Ages, being either not written, or if written, utterly lost. Likewise, as for what use set up, not yet known; so, by whom also founded, is equally uncertain.

You cannot but remember, in what manner the ancient Inhabitants of this Island lived, before reduced to civility by the _Romans_ I have formerly delivered: also, how they were first instructed by them, in severall _Arts_ and _Sciences_, whereof the _Britans_ wholly ignorant, before the _Romans_ arrivall here, and teaching them. I have given you in like manner, a full description of this _Antiquity_, whereby doubtlesse it appears to you, as in truth it is, a work built with much _Art_, _Order_ and _Proportion_. That the ancient _Britans_, before the discovery of this Island by the _Romans_, could not be the _Founders_ thereof, by the former reasons, I suppose, is clearly manifested. For, where _Art_ is not, nothing can be performed by _Art_. As, for that which concerns the _British_ Nobility, _Aurelius Ambrosius_, or _Boadicia_, enough already.

It rests now, to endeavor the discovering by whom _Stoneheng_ built; in what time, and, for what use anciently erected. But, it is not expected (I hope) any absolute resolution should be given by me, in so doubtfull a matter; for, _as it hath been always lawfull for every man in such like matters_ (saith _Camden_) _both to think what he will, and relate what others have thought_: So pardon me, if I take upon me, what others have done before me, and interpose mine own opinion also, grounded neverthelesse upon such Authorities, customes, and concurrence of time, as very probably may satisfie judicious and impartiall Readers.

[Sidenote: _Pausan. fo. 392._]

[Sidenote: _Idem fo. 75_:]

[Sidenote: _In Vitr. lib. 4._]

Touching the _Founders_ of _Stoneheng_. Among the _Ægyptian Antiquities_, or those _Eastern_ Nations from whom the _Græcians_ deduced their learning, I find not any such composure ever used: or with the _Greeks_ themselves, mention made of any work conformable to this, in point of _Order_, (as the mod conversant in those Histories cannot contradict) I read neverthelesse, in _Pausanias_, of a _Temple_ amongst the _Eleans_ erected without walls: _novam quandam in_ Eleorum _foro templi formam vidi. I saw_ (saith he) _in the market place of the_ Eleans, _a Temple of a new form. Modicæ est ædes altitudinis, sine parietibus, tectum è quercu dolatis fulcientibus tibicinibus. A low thing, without walls, having the roof supported with props of oaken timber_ (instead, it seems, of Columnes) _neatly wrought_. He remembers a _Temple_ also in _Attica_ sacred to _Jove_ without a roof. The _Thracians_ (as I read likewise) used to build _Temples_ dedicated to _Sol_, _of a round form, open in the middle_, and also without a _roof_: by the form, or roundnesse thereof, they signified the Suns figure; by making them open, and rooflesse, they expressed his surmounting, and dilating light equally to all things. _Thraces soli rotunda templa faciebant_ (saith _Daniel Barbaro_) _in medio sub divo, & aperta erant: hac forma Solis figuram innuebant: quòd autem aperta essent, & sine tecto, innuebant Solem supra omnia esse, & lumen suum diffundere_.

[Sidenote: _Scamoz. lib. 1. fo. 9._]

[Sidenote: _Camden fo. 64._]

Howsoever, considering what magnificence the _Romans_ in prosperous times anciently used in all works, both publick, and private: their knowledge and experience in all _Arts_ and _Sciences_: their powerfull means for effecting great works: together with their _Order_ in building, and manner of workmanship accustomed amongst them: _Stoneheng_ in my judgement was a work, built by the _Romans_, and they the sole _Founders_ thereof. For, if look upon this _Antiquity_, as an admired and magnificent building, who more magnificent then the _Romans_? _Essi soli frà i populi dell’ vniverso, con ogni termine di magnificenza edificarono tutti i generi d’edifici. They only amongst all the Nations of the Universe, erecting all sorts of buildings, with all kinds of magnificence_, saith _Scamozzo_ in the first Book of his _Architecture_. If consider the _Art_, and elegant disposition thereof, all _Arts_ and _Sciences_ (we must know) were in full perfection with them, and _Architecture_, which amongst the _Greeks_ was youthfull only, and vigorous; under the _Romans_ their _Empire_ grown to the full height became manly and perfect, not in _inventions, and elegancy of forms alone, but also in exquisitenesse of Art, and excellency of materials. Salito al colmo l’imperio_ Romano, _ella pure divenne virile e perfetta: non solo nelle inventioni, e nella elleganza delle forme, mà parimente nell’ esquisitezza dell’ artificio, e nella singolarità della materia_. As the same Author hath it. If take notice of their power and ways by which they effected such goodly structures, their means were not ordinary according to the common custome of other _People_; and why? because, besides particular _Artisans_ practised in severall _Arts_, they employed in those their works whole bodies of their own _Armies_, and whatever Nations subdued by them. _The_ Romans _were wont to exercise therein_ (saith _Camden_) _their Souldiers, and the common multitude, upon great policy doing the same, left being idle they should grow factious, and affect alteration in the State. The_ Britans _complained_ (saith _Tacitus_ likewise) _corpora & manus contrivisse, that their bodies and hands were worn out, and consumed by the_ Romans, _in bringing to effect their great and admired undertakings_: in that kind employing their slaves and prisoners also, as holding it, rather then by violent deaths to cut them off; more profitable for the _Commonwealth_, more exemplary for others, and far greater punishment for their Prisoners, to enjoyn them continuall labour.

[Sidenote: _Choul. fo. 5._]

If observe _their Order_ in building; the only _Order_ of _Architecture_, which _Italy_ may truly glory in the invention of, is the _Tuscane Order_, so called, because first found out by the _Tuscans_, that in a more then ordinary manner they might reverence their _Deities_ in _Temples_ composed thereof. (_Janus_ their first King, according to the common opinion of divers ancient Historians, being the first of all others, that built _Temples_ to the Gods) Which _Order_, though first used by the _Tuscans_, certain it is, the _Romans_ took from them, and brought it in use with other _Arts_, in severall parts of the world, as their conquests led them on. Now of this _Tuscan Order_, a plain, grave, and humble manner of _Building_, very solid and strong _Stoneheng_ principally consists. So that, observing the _Order_ whereof _Stoneheng_ built, there being no such Elements known in this _Island_ as distinct _Orders_ of _Architecture_, untill the _Romans_ introduced them, the very work it self, of so great _Antiquity_, declares the _Romans Founders_ thereof. Who, that hath right judgement in _Architecture_, knows not the difference, and by the manner of their works how to distinguish _Ægyptian_, _Greek_, and _Roman_ structures of old, also _Italian_, _French_ and _Dutch_ buildings in these modern times? Is not our Shipping by the mould thereof, known throughout the world _English_ built? Who did not by the very _Order_ of the work, assure himself, the body of the Church of S. _Paul London_, from its Tower to the West end anciently built by the _Saxons_: as the Quire thereof, from the said Tower to the East end by the _Normans_, it being _Gothick_ work? yet that there might be a _Roman Temple_ in old time standing in that place, I will not deny, the numbers of Oxeheads digged up and anciently sacrificed there, setting all other reasons aside, so probably manifesting the same. And in all likelihood, the _Romans_ for so notable a structure as _Stoneheng_, made choice of the _Tuscane_ rather then any other _Order_, not only as best agreeing with the rude, plain, simple nature of those they intended to instruct, and use for which erected; but also, because presuming to challenge a certain kind of propriety therein, they might take occasion thereby, to magnifie to those then living the virtue of their _Auncestors_ for so noble an invention, and make themselves the more renowned to posterity, for erecting thereof, so well ordred a building.

[Sidenote: _Vitr. lib. 5._]

Besides, the _Order_ is not only _Roman_, but the _Scheam_ also (consisting of four equilaterall triangles, inscribed within the circumference of a Circle) by which this work _Stoneheng_ formed, was an _Architectonicall Scheam_ used by the _Romans_. Whereof, I shall have more occasion to speak, when I come to set down, for what use this _Antiquity_ at first erected.

Again, the _Portico_ at _Stoneheng_, is made double, as in structures of great magnificence the ancient _Romans_ used; so at the foot of the _Capitol_ the _Temple_ to _Jove the Thunderer_, built by _Augustus Cæsar_; so the _Pantheon_ at _Athens_, royally adorned with one hundred and twenty vast columnes of rich _Phrygian_ marble, by the _Emperour Adrian_. But, some may alledge, the _Romans_ made the Pillars of their double _Portico’s_, of one and the same symmetry, or very little different, which in this _Antiquity_ otherwise appearing, cannot be a _Roman_ work. To as much purpose it may be alledged the _Temple_ of _Diana_ at _Magnesia_, was no _Greek_ work, because the Pillars of the inner _Portico_ were wholly left out. Yet it’s true, the _Romans_ usually made them as is objected, and the reason was, because of the weight the inner Pillars carried: now, in this work, no roof being to be sustained, nor any manner of weight born up, though the judgement of the _Architect_, thereby to save labour and expence, ordered the stones making the _Portico_ within, of a far lesse proportion then those of the outward circle, it retains neverthelesse the proper _Aspect_ (principally aim’d at by the ancient _Architects_) in use amongst the _Romans_, and consequently for ought alledged to the contrary by them built.

[Sidenote: _Vitr. lib. 3. cap. 1._]

In this _Antiquity_, there is a _Portico_ also (as I may rightly term it) within the _Cell_, or greater _Hexagon_, reduced likewise into the same figure. Now, that the _Romans_ used to make _Portico’s_ on the inside of their buildings, as well sacred as secular, by the ruines of their _Basilicaes_ or Courts of _Judicature_; by that _Temple_ without a roof anciently dedicated to _Jove_ in Mount _Quirinalis_, now the _Horse_ Mount in _Rome_; by the _Temple of Bacchus_ there of a round form, at this day consecrate to S. _Agnes_ without the gate _Viminalis_, manifestly appears. But in what ever structures else the _Romans_ used them, certain it is, within their most stately _Temples_ which lay uncovered, and had no roofs, they always made such _Portico’s_; and though in other _Temples_ they sometimes dispos’d them, yet from _Vitruvius_ it may be gathered, they properly belonged to the _Aspect Hypæthros_, which was uncovered and rooflesse as this _Antiquity Stoneheng_, he peremptorily assigning _Portico’s_ to be made on the inside of no kind of _Temples_, but those; His words are, _Hypæthros in interiore parte habet columnas, remotas à parietibus ad circuitionem (ut porticus) peristyliorum. Temples open to the air, and without roofs, have columnes on the inside, distant from the walls, as Courts Portico’s about them._ Even, after the same _decorum_ as at _Stoneheng_.

Furthermore, if cast an eye upon _their_ artifice and manner of workmanship, _Stoneheng_ appears built directly agreeable to those rules, which the _Romans_ observed in great works. For, the _Roman Architects_, in distinguishing the manner of their _Temples_, always observed (as _Vitruvius_ in his third book teacheth us) the greater the Columnes were, the closer they set them together; so in this _Antiquity_, the stones being great, the spaces betwixt them are likewise narrow.

[Sidenote: _Leo Bap. Alber. lib. 3._]

[Sidenote: _Leo Bap. Alber. lib. 3._]

The _Architraves_ also, in this work were all of them set without morter, and fixed upon the upright stones by tenons (as formerly described) in the very same manner, as in great structures, where the stones solid, and of more then ordinary greatnesse, the _Romans_ were wont to doe. _They laid them without any unctuous incorporating matter, nullo fulta glutino_, saith _Leo Baptista Albertus_. And divers examples of this kind might be brought, I my self amongst other _Antiquities_ have seen the ruines of an _Aquaeduct_, built by the _Romans_ in _Provynce_, running through a deep valley, and raised in height equall to the adjacent Mountains, upon huge Arches fifty eight foot wide, the stones whereof, being of extraordinary scantlings, were laid without any cement or morter, to incorporate them with the rest of the work. And, where occasion guided their judgements to the observance of this rule, they united and compared the stones together, by certain ligatures or holdfasts, (the _Italians_ call them _Perni_, pegs or tops, for such they resemble, and we, from the verb _tenere_ to hold, not improperly calling them _tenons_) _quæ inferiores, & unà superiores in lapides infixæ, cavatæ fuere, ne quid fortè protrusi ordines alteri ab alteris distrahantur. Which_ (saith _Albertus_) _being formed in the inferiour stones, were hollowed or mortaised into those above, left by any chance they should start one from another, and break the order of the work_. Here the _Florentine Architect_ gives us the self same manner of banding stones, when the _Romans_ laid them without morter, as if he had seen this very _Antiquity Stoneheng_.

[Sidenote: _Camden._]

[Sidenote: _Speed._]

Moreover, what ever footsteps of the _Romans_ found in other places of this Island, it’s not inconsiderately to be past over, that in _Wiltshire_, the County (as is said before) where our _Stoneheng_ remains, _Roman Antiquities_ are most perspicuous, not only, by the apparent testimonies of the coyns of their Emperors in divers places digged up, but by severall their encamping places yet to be seen, as _Leckham_, in times of yore a seat of the _Romans_: the place also where old _Salisbury_ now sheweth it self, within six miles of _Stoneheng_: and within three miles thereof _Yanesbury_ Castle, supposed a work of _Vespasians_ when he conquered, and after kept in subjection the _Belgæ_, ancient inhabitants of that tract. Likewise the mines nearer yet to _Stoneheng_, of a fortresse our Historians hold anciently a garrison of the _Romans_, and in many other forts of that Shire (both by their form and manner of making well known to have been _Roman_) the tract of their footing is yet left.

[Sidenote: _Cam. fo. 64._]

[Sidenote: _Tacitus._]

[Sidenote: _Beda._]

But it is objected, If _Stoneheng_ a _Roman_ work, how comes it, no _Roman_ Author makes mention of it? I answer, their Historians used not to commit to writing every particular work, or action the _Romans_ performed: if so, how vast would their volumes have been? _Stoneheng_ ’tis granted, is much admired by us, yet, how far more admirable works were the _Romans_ Founders of, not mentioned in any of their ancient stories? That notable bridge invented and built by _Cæsar_, for passing his Army over the _Rhine_, himself at large describes, remembring little or nothing neverthelesse concerning divers other as great works in _Gaul_ and _Batavia_, suppos’d to be performed by him also. _Dion_, _Herodian_, _Eutropius_ and other their Historians tell us, the _Romans_ built the so famed wall, commonly by us called the _Picts wall_, extending crosseover our Island from the _Irish_ Sea to the _German_ Ocean, above fourscore _Italian_ miles in length, with many towers and fortresses erected upon it; when works of as great admiration in _Britain_ they have past in silence: those wonderfull causeys made throughout the land, by dreining and drying up Fens, levelling hils, raising valleys, and paving them with stones of such breadth, that Wains might without danger passe one by another, not any ancient _Roman_ Author (for ought appears) directly mentioning. Yet, who doubts them _Roman_ works? _I dare confidently avouch, the Romans by little and little founded and raised them up_, saith _Camden_. And why? mark I pray, because, whilst _Agricola_ governed _Britain_, _Tacitus_ tels us, _severall ways were enjoyned_. If then, because _Tacitus_ affirms in generall terms only, _severall ways enjoyned_, _Camden_ confidently concludes them _Roman works_, no _Roman_ History otherwise remembring them; Why may it not, the same _Tacitus_ telling us in like manner, _Agicola exhorted the Britans in private, and helpt them in common, to build Temples, Houses, and Places of publick resort_, as peremptorily be inferr’d, _Stoneheng_ was a work built by the _Romans_, though not particularly remembred by them in their stories? In a word, _Temples_ and places of publick resort, the _Romans_ built here, and were the first that did so, leaving it to after ages to find out by their _Manner_ of _building_, _Order_ in _building_, and _Power_ and _Means_ for _building_, such lofty ruines, as appears in this _Antiquity_, could be remains of none but _Roman_ building.

[Sidenote: _Camden fo. 63._]

The next thing to be enquired after, is, in what time _Stoneheng_ built. Happily, about those times, when the _Romans_ having setled the Country here under their own _Empire_, and, together with bringing over _Colonies_ reduced the naturall inhabitants of this Island unto the society of civill life, by training them up in the liberall Sciences. For, _then also_ (saith _Camden_) _did they furnish the_ Britans, _with goodly houses, and stately buildings, in such sort, that the reliques and rubbish of their ruines, cause the beholders now, exceedingly to admire the same, and the common sort of People plainly say, those_ Roman _works were made by Giants, of such exceeding great admiration, and sumptuous magnificence they are_.

This relation of _Camdens_, reflects chiefly upon the time of _Agricola_; neverthelesse, that _Stoneheng_ (though fabled Giants work) was then built, I dare not affirm: the great works of the _Romans_, brought to perfection in this Island, being not the work of a day. It hath been the invention of wise _Romans_ of old, affecting civility, to raise goodly buildings here: but the precise times when, in things so far from all knowledge, cannot be with any certainty avouched. For my part, I should choose to assign those times for building thereof, when the _Romans_ in their chief prosperity most flourished here, and refer the first erection to the time betwixt _Agricolas_ government formerly mentioned, and the reign of _Constantine_ the Great: in order to which, the times rather somwhat after _Agricola_, if not during his own Lievtenancy, then next preceding _Constantine_. For, long before _Constantine_ acquired the Soveraignty (which was not till the year of our Lord three hundred and ten) the magnificent splendor of that mighty _Empire_ began sensibly to wane, and the ambition of the great Captains of _Rome_, (some few excepted) tended rather to make parties for obtaining the _Purple Robe_, then (after the manner of their ancestors) to eternise their names by great and admirable works, or patronizing good _Arts_, for want whereof they began likewise to decay apace; _Serly_ in his third Book speaking of those times, telling us, that _id temporis Architecti, si cum superioribus conferantur, rudiores & ineptiores extitisse videntur. In those days although there were many Architects, yet, compared with such as lived in the preceding Ages, they were very rude and unskilfull._ Besides, the condition wherein this Island was, divers years preceding _Constantine_, would not admit such undertakings. For, by the civil discord of the _Romans_, the _Britans_ taking occasion to make frequent revolts, in hope to recover their lost liberty, the _Romans_ were put upon other manner of Councels then to think of building; namely to reduce the _Britans_ to their wonted obedience, and keep the Province in some reasonable quiet, by expelling the _Scots_ and _Picts_ (savage and perfidious _People_ even from times of old) making daily inroads and incursions thereunto.

[Sidenote: _Gildas._]

Now, as for these reasons, it’s not likely _Stoneheng_ could be built in the times next before _Constantine_, so, by what follows, it will manifestly appear, it was not erected after his Reign. For, after his transplanting the seat of the Empire into the East, and the government of the then known world, under the _Romans_, distinguished by _East_ and _Western_ Emperours, a deluge of barbarous Nations (like so many Locusts) swarmed over all. Who, as with their vast multitudes they oft had formerly attempted it, so, thence forward, till bringing that mighty Empire unto its finall and fatall period; and thereby utterly destroying in like manner all _Arts_ and _Sciences_, together with _Architecture_, (not restored again, even in _Italy_ it self, untill, as formerly remembred) they never desisted. Moreover, in the times after _Constantine_, no _Temples_ to Heathen _Deities_ (such as I shall make appear this _Antiquity Stoneheng_ was) were erected here, they being times of defacing, rather then erecting idolatrous places. For, most of the succeeding Emperors becoming _Christians_, the tempestuous storms of perfection were over, and the thick clouds of superstition beginning to be dissolved by the bright beams of the Gospel, and true light of CHRIST, every where _Temples_ were shut up against false Gods, and set open to the true GOD. According to that of _Gildas_, _No sooner was the blustering tempest, and storm of persecution blown over, but the faithfull Christians, who in the time of trouble and danger had hidden themselves in woods, deserts, and secret caves, being come abroad in open sight, renovant Ecclesias ad solum usque destructas, basilicas sanctorum martyrum fundant, construunt, perficiunt &c. Churches ruinate to the very ground they reedifie, Temples of holy Martyrs they found, build, and finish &c._ So that, in stead of idolatrous _Temples_, built in the Ages preceding _Constantine_, during his reign and after, whilst the _Romans_ continued in any prosperous state here, by erecting _Christian Churches_, they began generally to neglect, and suffer fall to decay, rather then new build _Temples_ to their _Pagan_ Gods.

[Sidenote: _Tacit. in Vit. Agr._]

These pressing occurrences therefore, to wit, civill broyls amongst the _Romans_ themselves, frequent insurrections of the _Britans_, daily inrodes by the _Picts_ and _Scots_, together with the _downfall_ of _Paganism_, _decay_ of _Arts_, and fatall _ruine_ of the whole _Empire_, making the times both long before and after _Constantine_ incompatible for undertaking such works as this _Antiquity_, it may safely enough be concluded, if _Stoneheng_ not founded by _Agricola_, yet created it might be about fifteen hundred and fifty years ago, in the times somewhat after his government, _the_ Province _being formerly left by him in good and peaceable state_, the _Britans_ reduced from _Barbarity_ to order and civill conversation, and the _Romans_ flourishing in all manner of _Arts_ and _Sciences_.

[Sidenote: _Vitr. lib. 4. cap. 8._]

[Sidenote: _Plin. lib. 16._]

[Sidenote: _Tom. 1. lib. 33. Tom. 2._]

[Sidenote: _Rosin. lib. 3._]

[Sidenote: _Choul fol. 217, 229._]

Now, concerning the use for which _Stoneheng_ at first erected, I am clearly of opinion, it was originally a _Temple_, it being built with all accommodations properly belonging to a sacred structure. For, it had an intervall or spacious Court lying round about it, wherein the _Victimes_ for oblation were slain, into which it was unlawfull for any profane person to enter: it was separated from the circumadjacent Plain, with a large Trench in stead of a wall, as a boundary about the _Temple_, most conformable to the main work, wholly exposed to open view: Without this Trench, the promiscuous common multitude, with zeal too much, attended the _ceremonies_ of their solemne though superstitious Sacrifices, and might see the oblations, but not come within them: It had likewise its peculiar _Cell_, with _Portico’s_ round about, into which _Cell_, as into their _Sanctum sanctorum_ (pardon the expression) none but the _Priests_ entred to offer Sacrifice, and make atonement for the _People_: Within the _Cell_ an _Ara_ or _Altar_ was placed, having its proper position towards the _East_, as the _Romans_ used. _Aræ spectent ad Orientem_, saith _Vitruvius_. And, that there hath been the heads of Bulls, or Oxen, of Harts, and other such beasts digged up, or in, or near this _Antiquity_ (as divers now living can testifie) is not to be omitted; for who can imagine, but these were the heads of such, as anciently there offered in Sacrifice? together with which also, were heaped up great quantities of Charcole, happily used about the performance of their superstitious ceremonies. That the ancient _Romans_ had Charcole in use amongst them, _Pliny_ affirms. And when I caused the foundations of the stones to be searched, my self found, and yet have by me to shew the cover of a _Thuribulum_, or some such like vase (I suppose) wherein _Choul_ in his discourse of their Religion, reports the ancient _Romans_ used to carry Incense, wine or holy water, for service in their Sacrifices, lying about three foot within the ground, near one of the stones of the greater _Hexagon_.

[Sidenote: _Vitr. lib. 4. cap. 7._]

The _Order_ whereof this _Temple_ consists, according to the rules of _Art_ observed by the ancient _Romans_ in works of this kinde, is mingled of _Greek_ and _Tuscane_ work. For, as the plainnesse and solidnesse of the _Tuscane Order_, appears eminently throughout the whole _Antiquity_: so the narrownesse of the spaces betwixt the stones, visibly discovers therein, the delicacy of the _Corinthian Order_. Which commixture amongst the _Roman Architects_ was very usuall, in regard _Vitruvius_ (in his fourth Book and seventh Chapter) treating somwhat largely (his method otherwise considered) of severall sorts of the like composed _Temples_, mixt of the _Greek_ and _Tuscane_ manners tels us: that, _Nonnulli de Tuscanicis generibus sumentes columnarum dispositiones, transferunt in Corinthiorum & Ionicorum operum ordinationes. Some taking the qualities of the columns of the Tuscane Order, transfer them into the symmetry of the Corinthian and Ionick works._ Whereby (to please themselves it seems in their own inventions) _efficiunt Tuscanicorum & Græcorum operum communem ratiocinationem. They make of the Tuscane and Greek works one common composure._ As the same Author likewise remembers.

[Sidenote: _Vitr. lib. 3. cap. 1._]

The _Aspect_ of this _Temple_; by which we understand that first shew which _Temples_ make to those that draw near unto them, is _Dipteros Hypæthros_, which is double winged about uncovered. _Dipteros circa ædem duplices habet columnarum ordines_ (saith _Vitruvius_) _Dipteros hath double orders of columnes about the Temple. Hypæthros sub divo est, sine tecto_, (as the same Author) _Hypæthros is open to the air, without a roof_.

[Sidenote: _Vitr. lib. 3. cap. 2._]

The Manner of this _Temple_ is _Pycnostylos_, or _narrow spaces_. _Pycnostylos_ is that kinde of _Temples_, which hath the columnes set thick, and close together _crebris columnis_, as _Vitruvius_ also hath it.

But it may be objected, though it appears from very good Authorities, the Artifice, and workmanship of this _Antiquity_, together with the _Scheam_ which formed it, were _Roman_: and the _Order_ of which consisting, invented in _Italy_, and so consequently _Roman_ in like manner: as also, by the severall peculiar accommodations, the probable reliques of _Heathenish_ Sacrifices, and determinate rules of _Architecture_, it was anciently a _Temple_: Neverthelesse it appears not, the _Romans_ ever used any whatever profane structure like this, much lesse any manner of _Temples_ of this kinde of invention, _Where the Temple lies open without walls, surrounded only with pillars_. For, that the upright stones which make this work _Stoneheng_, are in stead of them, may well enough be granted.

[Sidenote: _Phil. in Vitr. lib. 4._]

To this I answer, the learned in _Antiquities_ very well know, those things which oblivion hath so long removed out of mind, are hardly to be discovered. Yet, as to the first part of the objection, that the _Romans_ never used any whatever profane structure like this, _Varro de re rustica_ (as I find him cited by _Philander_) tels us, that they had in use amongst them a round building without any wals, having a double _Order_ of columns round about, this he cals by the name of _Tholus, ædificium rotundum, columnatum duplici columnarum ordine. A round edifice_ (saith he) _environed about with a double order of columns_. Which double _Order_ of _Columns_ _Pyrrho Ligorio_ a famous _Neapolitane Architect_, and great discoverer of _Antiquities_, in his description thereof designes without a roof also.

[Sidenote: _Vitr. lib. 4. cap. 7._]

[Sidenote: _Ædes sacræ Templa dicta fuerunt, quòd essent quasi ædes Deorum. Rosin. lib. 2. cap. 2._]

[Sidenote: _Dan. Barbar._]