Part 1

THE most notable ANTIQUITY OF _GREAT BRITAIN_, vulgarly called STONE-HENG ON _SALISBURY PLAIN_.

RESTORED By _INIGO JONES_ Esquire, Architect Generall to the late KING.

_LONDON_, Printed by _James Flesher_ for _Daniel Pakeman_ at the sign of the _Rainbow_ in _Fleetstreet_, and _Laurence Chapman_ next door to the Fountain Tavern in the _Strand_. 1655.

TO The Right Honourable PHILIP Earle of _Pembroke_ and _Montgomerie_, Baron _Herbert_ of _Caerdiff_ and _Sherland_, Lord _Parr_ and _Rosse_ of _Kendall_, Lo: _Fitzhugh Marmyon_ and Saint _Quintin_ &c. _STONE-HENG_ restored is humbly dedicated by Your Loᵖˢ devoted servant _John Webb_.

TO THE FAVOURERS OF _ANTIQUITY_.

This Discourse of _Stone-heng_ is moulded off, and cast into a rude Form, from some few indigested notes of the late judicious _Architect_, the _Vitruvius_ of his age _Inigo Jones_. That so venerable an _Antiquity_ might not perish, but the world made beholding to him for restoring it to light, the desires of severall his learned _Friends_ have encouraged me to compose this Treatise. Had he survived to have done it with his own hand, there had needed no Apology. Such as it is, I make now yours. Accept it in _his name_, from

_J. W._

STONEHENG RESTORED, BY _INIGO JONES_ Esquire.

Being naturally inclined in my younger years to study the _Arts of Designe_, I passed into forrain parts to converse with the great Masters thereof in _Italy_; where I applied my self to search out the ruines of those ancient _Buildings_, which in despight of _Time_ it self, and violence of _Barbarians_ are yet remaining. Having satisfied my self in these, and returning to my native _Countrey_, I applied my minde more particularly to the study of _Architecture_. Among the ancient monuments whereof, found here, I deemed none more worthy the searching after, then this of _Stoneheng_; not only in regard of the _Founders_ thereof, the _Time_ when built, the _Work_ it self, but also for the rarity of its _Invention_, being different in _Forme_ from all I had seen before: likewise, of as beautifull _Proportions_, as elegant in _Order_, and as stately in _Aspect_, as any.

King _James_, in his progresse, the year one thousand six hundred and twenty, being at _Wilton_, and discoursing of this _Antiquity_, I was sent for by the right Honourable _William_ then _Earl of Pembrook_, and received there his Majesties commands to produce out of mine own practise in _Architecture_, and experience in _Antiquities_ abroad, what possibly I could discover concerning this of _Stoneheng_. What mine opinion was then, and what I have since collected in relation thereunto; I intend to make the subject of this present Treatise. And certainly, in the intricate, and obscure study of _Antiquity_ it is far easier (as _Camden_ very well observes) to refute and contradict a false, then to set down a true and certain resolution. For mine own part, in what I shall here deliver, I intend not to struggle against any opinion commonly, and long since received. Let every man judge as it pleaseth him. What opinion soever the Reader inclines to, I shall not make much materiall, my aime being, a desire only to vindicate, as much as in me lies, the _Founders_ of this venerable _Antiquity_ from oblivion, and to make the truth, as far forth as possibly I may, appeare to all men.

Severall Writers, both Strangers, and our own Countreymen, have treated of _Stoneheng_. Before recite whole opinions, I think not amisse to seek this subject from the most ancient times, endevouring thereby to give satisfaction whether or no, the _Druides_, _aliàs_ _Druidæ_ (in Authors indifferently written, and in old time the _Priests_ of the _Britans_ and _Gauls_) or the ancient _Britans_, for the _Druid’s_ use, might not be the _Founders_ of so notable a monument; which if they were, there is then no cause why bestow farther study or pains, in searching who the _Founders_ were, but acquiesce in the honour of our own Nations first erection of it.

As far neverthelesse, as from History ancient or moderne may be gathered, there is little likelyhood of any such matter, considering especially what the _Druid’s_ were; also, what small experience the _Britans_, anciently inhabiting this Isle, had, in knowledge of what ever _Arts_, much lesse of building, with like elegancy and proportion, such goodly works as _Stoneheng_.

[Sidenote: _Cæsar. Commen. lib. 6._]

[Sidenote: _Plin. lib. 16._]

Concerning the _Druid’s_ in the first place, true it is, they are reported in ancient times, to have been in great esteeme in this Island, where their discipline, and manner of learning, was supposed to be first invented, and from hence translated into _Gaul_. _Disciplina in Britannia reperta_ (saith _Cæsar_) _atque inde in Galliam translata esse existimatur._ They are said in like manner no have ordered and disposed all divine matters, as well in relation to their severall kinds of Sacrifices, as to expounding whatever rites of their idolatrous superstition; insomuch, you may call them (if you please) the Bishops and Clergy of that Age.

[Sidenote: _Strab. lib. 4._]

[Sidenote: _Cæsar. lib. 6._]

Their power moreover, and preheminence was not confined within the strict limits of sacred matters, but enjoying a more large prerogative, temporall negotiations, and affairs of State were transacted by them: the managing of Peace and War was usually remitted to their Authority, even when Armies were ready to joyn in Battell. _Publica iis_ (saith _Strabo_) _& privata judicia committuntur, & aliquando causis bellorum disceptandis jam acie congressuros composuerunt._ Judges they were (saith _Cæsar_ also) in almost all civill and criminall causes: sentence they gave in case of life and death: decide they did controversies, and debates betwixt party and party: finally, whatever else was requisite and convenient to keep the people in due obedience to their _Princes_, they wholly took the care and charge of.

[Sidenote: _Vitr. li. 1._]

These were the maine affaires wherein the employment of the _Druides_ consisted, and whereunto they wholly addicted themselves. Whosoever desires to know more of them, may read _Cæsar_, _Diodorus Siculus_, _Strabo_, _Pliny_, _Diogenes Laertius_, _Ammianus Marcellinus_, and such like ancient Authors. But, whatsoever these, or other Historians have written of the _Druides_, certainly, _Stoneheng_ could not be builded by them, in regard, I find no mention, they were at any time either studious in _Architecture_, (which in this subject is chiefly to be respected) or skilfull in any thing else conducing thereunto. For, _Academies_ of _Designe_ were unknown unto them: publique Lectures in the _Mathematiques_ not read amongst them: nothing of their _Painting_, not one word of their _Sculpture_ is to be found, or scarce of any Science (_Philosophy_ and _Astronomy_ excepted) proper to informe the judgement of an _Architect_; who, (as _Vitruvius_ saith) should be _peritus Graphidos, eruditus Geometria, & Optices non ignarus_ &c. _perfect in Designe, expert in Geometry, well seen in the Opticks, skilfull in Arithmetick, a good Historian, a diligent hearer of Philosophers, well experienced in Physick, Musick, Law and Astrologie_.

[Sidenote: _Cæsar. li. 6._]

Of all that have written of the _Druid’s_, no Author knew them better then _Cæsar_, neither hath any more fully described them; who after a large discourse of their discipline, priviledges, and _Theologie_, _Multa de sideribus_ (saith he) _atque eorum motu, de mundi ac terrarum magnitudine, de rerum natura, &c. disputant, & juventuti transdunt. They make much dispute, and instruct their Scholars in many things concerning the Stars, and their motion, the greatnesse of Heaven and Earth, of the nature of things &c._ As for other Arts relating to the _Mathematiques_, or any works of this kind, he makes no manner of mention, though himself an _Architect_, glorying in his own, and much more extolling others invention in that _Art_.

The truth is, those ancient times had no knowledge of publique works, either Sacred or Secular, for their own use, or honour of their _Deities_. Besides, they us’d not any buildings of Stone, or (for ought is manifest) knew so much, as how to order working therein. The _Druid’s_ led a solitary contemplative life, contenting themselves with such habitations, as either meer necessity invented, to shelter them from contrariety of seasons, without _Art_, without _Order_, without any whatever means tending to perpetuity: or, such as _Nature_ alone had prepared for them in dens, and caves of desert and darksome woods; esteeming it, questionlesse, the highest secret of their mystery, rather to command in caves and cottages, then live like Kings, in Palaces, and stately houses. They were too wise, knew too well, ’twas their humility, integrity, retired manner of life, and pretended sanctity possest the people with an awfully reverend esteem of them; and which fed, and kept up their reputation throughout the Countrey, when outward appearances of State and magnificence would either have brought them into envy, and their superstition into contempt, or themselves and _Religion_ both to be wholly extirpated and laid aside.

[Sidenote: _Pomp. Mela lib. 3._]

_Pomponius Mela_ discoursing of the _Druides_, _Docent multa_ (saith he) _nobilissimos gentis clam & diu vicenis annis in specu, aut in abditis saltibus_, _They teach the Nobility, and better sort of their nation, many things, even twenty years together, secretly in caves, or close coverts of obscure woods and forrests_. Such, and no other were their habitations, such their Universities, and publique Schooles.

[Sidenote: _Pliny lib. 16._]

As for their _Temples_ and sacred structures, they consisted not in variety of formes, costlinesse of materials, or perfection of humane _Arts_, but were of _Natures_ own framing in like manner, being no other then groves of Oke. _The_ Druid’s _chose of purpose_ (saith _Pliny_) _such groves for their divine Service, as stood only upon Okes; nay they solemnized no Sacrifice, nor performed any sacred Ceremonies without the branches, and leaves thereof; from whence they may seem well enough to be named_ Dryadæ _in_ Greek, _which signifies as much as_ Oke Priests.

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

The _Romans_ having forced their passage, and gained victory over the _Druid’s_ in _Anglesey_, cut down their woods and groves, amongst them reckoned holy, and consecrated to their execrable superstitions. _Excisi luci_ (saith _Tacitus_) _sævis superstitionibus sacri_.

To this purpose, _Humphrey Lloid_, in his history of _Wales_, The vast woods growing in that Island, were not only by the _Romans_, but afterwards, when the _Christian_ Faith took place in this _Nation_, by the _Christians_ also fell’d and rooted out. And why? because of the idolatry (saith he) and absurd Religion used in them. Again, in his Epistle to _Ortelius_ concerning the Isle of _Anglesey_, the same Author affirmes; Though there is little wood now growing there, yet every day the roots and bodies of huge trees of a wonderfull length and bignesse are by the inhabitants found, and digged out of the earth, in divers places in low grounds, and champion fields.

Now, if in stead of these roots, and bodies of trees, the ruines of ancient Structures had been there found, it might peradventure, with some probability, have been presumed either that the _Druid’s_ used _Temples_, or some other buildings of stone. For, their ancient seat was in the Isle of _Mona_, now _Anglesey_, whence modern Writers style it _Insulam Druidum_, the _Island_ of the _Druid’s_, and _sedem Druidum_, the seat of the _Druid’s_. And from hence, questionlesse, it came to passe, the _Romans_, with such difficulty, under the conduct of _Suetonius Paulinus_, brought that Island under their power; nor was it wholly subdued to their Empire, untill _Julius Agricola’s_ time. For, whereas in other parts of _Britain_, the people contended for Liberty only, there, they fought _pro aris & focis_, for Liberty, and Religion both.

[Sidenote: _Tacit. Ann. lib. 16._]

There it was the _British_ armies (saith _Tacitus_) being imbattailed, the women ran to and fro amongst them in sable weeds, their hair about their ears, and fire-brands in their hands, like infernall furies, the _Druid’s_ round about them also, lifting up their hands to Heaven, and pouring forth deadly curses; the novelty of which sight bred such amazement in the _Roman Legions_, (the _Romans_ here, it seems, were unacquainted with the _Druid’s_ till then) that they stood stock still, and close together, not once moving a foot, as if possessed with a resolution to act nothing at all, but receive their deaths tamely and without any great resistance.

Wherefore, besides, that History hath not remembred the ruines of any ancient buildings digged up in _Anglesey_; if either, this _Antiquity_ had been remaining in that _Island_, or any Author delivered such Actions of the _Druid’s_, as aforesaid, performed about the place, where _Stoneheng_ remains standing, there might have been some advantage made thereof to the purpose now in hand. But _Anglesey_ excepted, ancient Writers give them residence in no part of _Britain_ beside, nor are they remembred by any, to have been found elswhere, throughout the whole Nation. With respect whereunto, if the _Druid’s_ had knowledge, either to build the like magnificent structures, or use, for any such, they would, without all peradventure, have erected them upon the same place rather where themselves resided, then elswhere.

[Sidenote: _Cæs. Com. lib. 6._]

Neither are we to wonder, they chose such an out-nook or corner as _Anglesey_, to reside in; in regard, there, they lived remote, and solitary; there, were store of caves, and dens to instruct their Scholars in, close and retired places for their own habitations, and plenty of groves to perform their sacred mysteries in. Moreover, they past their days there, like the Hermits of old time, according to their own desire, in full contentment, and with free liberty to study, and contemplate what they pleased. For, _Anglesey_ (we must know) in those times of yore, was wholly overgrown with desert Woods, and obscure forrests, from whence the ancient _Britans_ call’d it _Ynis Dowil_, the shadowy or dark _Island_. Which name it still retains, and is well known thereby to the now inhabitants, who are, even at this day, likewise enclined, (yea, they usually accustome themselves) to commit things more to Memory, then Writing; and, as having received it by tradition from their Ancestors, living in those ancient times, still endevour to observe that custom of the _Druid’s, who held it unlawfull to commit any thing to writing_. As _Cæsar_ (in the sixth book of his Commentaries of the Gaulish war) delivers.

Concerning the _Britans_ in the next place, The condition of those ancient inhabitants of this Island in the _Druid’s_ time duly considered, (_viz._ in what manner they lived, how unskilfull in all Sciences, and civill customs, what Deities they had, in what places they adored them, and what manner of buildings, or sacred or secular, were used by them) as little reason appears, that this Antiquity was by them erected.

[Sidenote: _Herodian. lib. 3._]

As for their manner of living, the _Britans_ were then a savage and barbarous people, knowing no use at all of garments. _Vestis usum non cognoscunt_ (saith _Herodian_.) Now, if destitute of the knowledge, even to clothe themselves, much lesse any knowledge had they to erect stately structures, or such remarkable works as _Stoneheng_. What fashions they used to adorn their bodies with, the same Author tells us. _As a rare and rich habiliment, they wore about their wasts and necks ornaments of iron_ (saith he) _and did pounce and colour their bodies with sundry forms, in rude manner representing severall creatures_. In which regard, they would not be otherwise clothed, lest constrain’d thereby to hide such their simple (though with them much esteemed) bravery.

[Sidenote: _Strabo li. 4._]

Again, in other their civill customs, they were no lesse rude and ignorant; yea, so barbarous, even in things appertaining to common sustenance, and whatever husbandry; that (as _Strabo_) _Quidam eorum ob imperitiam caseos nullos conficiant, cum tamen lacte abundent: alii hortos colendi, & aliarum partium agriculturæ ignari sunt_. _Many of them, though they had great plenty of milk, yet their want of skill was such, they knew not how to make cheese: others so simple, they knew not to order their gardens or orchards, or any thing belonging thereunto._

[Sidenote: _Dion li. 62._]

[Sidenote: _Ral. li. 3. c. 5._]

Their Countrey also then lay uncultivated, no corn sown: _Quævis herba & radix cibus est_, _Their food was herbs and roots_ (saith _Dion Cassius_.) Hence Sir _Walter Raleigh_ cals them the _British Nomades_. And (by the way) it may not inappositely be observ’d, milk, roots, and fruit were the chief banquetting dishes; and skins of beasts (if clothed) the most costly habits of our Forefathers. Now who can, in reason imagine, that any great knowledge, practice, or delight of Arts and Sciences, wherein the elegancy of Architecture consists, should be in use or esteem, amongst a people, wholly devoted (as I may so say) and given over to such barbarity?

[Sidenote: _Dion li. 76._]

There were then no publick roads, or common high-ways to passe from one place to another, no constant habitations, _Nec mœnia, nec urbes_, _Nor towns nor walls_ (as _Dion_ out of _Xiphiline_ hath it) much lesse _Temples_, or other buildings made of stone, composed by Art, with Order, and Proportion.

[Sidenote: _Dion lib. 62._]

Moreover, who cast their eies upon this Antiquity, and examine the same with judgement, must be enforced to confesse it erected by people, grand masters in the Art of building, and liberall sciences, whereof the ancient _Britans_ utterly ignorant, as a Nation wholly addicted to wars, never applying themselves to the study of Arts, or troubling their thoughts with any excellency therein. _Omnis arbor domus._ _Every tree being in stead of a house to them._

[Sidenote: _Dion lib. 62._]

In the wars which _Bunduica_ (whom _Tacitus_ cals _Boadicia_) Queen of the _Iceni_, undertook against the _Romans_, wherein seventy thousand of their Citizens, and allies perished; in disdainfull contempt of the experience in Arts, wherein the _Romans_ flourished, _She_ accounted it her chiefest glory (saith _Dion Cassius_) to command over the _Britans_, in regard, a people they were, who had not learned, or knew, what belonged to the cultivating _and manuring of lands; or the practice of Arts, or to be craftsmen in any thing, save war_. _Qui non agros colere, non opifices esse, sed bella gerere optimè didicerunt._ Where you see, their having nor experience nor practice in any kinde of Sciences, war excepted, was enforc’d, by _Bunduica_, as redounding greatly to the _Britans_ honour, much advantage being made thereof by _Her_, towards advancing _Her_ designs, as the Historian plainly tells us.

But certain it is, however barbarous in other affairs, a most warlike people they were. Never, untill the forces of the whole world united in the _Roman_ Empire conspiring to subdue them, liable to conquest: neither could all that power, till after numbers of years spent in the attempt, with infinite expence of men and treasure, ever prevail against them. Now, as their sole skilfulnesse was in war, so they idoliz’d principally what had relation thereunto, their _Dea optima maxima_, being _Victoria_, whom they worshipped under the name of _Andates_. Another Goddesse they had in much esteem, called _Adraste_, which some imagine (as the _Nemesis_ amongst the _Greeks_) was their Goddesse of Revenge. These, according to their savage manner of living, they adored in groves, and woods, the only _Temples_ in use amongst them, to perform their Sacrifices, and divine mysteries in. (as from severall Authors I have already proved) Neither find I any particular place mentioned, to which any of these their _Temples_ (if they may so be called) were assigned; only _Andates_ (it seems from _Dion Cassius_) had a grove sacred to her in the Countrey of the _Iceni_, anciently containing _Norfolk_, _Suffolk_, _Cambridge_, and _Huntingdon_ Shires, farre enough from _Stoneheng_.

Besides, it is not to be past over in silence, how _Tacitus_ expresseth himself in the before cited fourteenth Book of his Annals, telling us; _The_ Romans _overthrew not the Temples, or razed to the Foundations, any of the sacred structures of the_ Druid’s _and_ Britans _made of stone, or other materials, which he might as readily have done, if they had used any such: but positively, the_ Romans _cut down the_ Britans _woods and groves, amongst them reckoned holy, and consecrated to their execrable superstitions_. True it is, other Temples, of greater magnificence then already spoken of, I find none: Ornaments of Art to enrich them they were not acquainted with: such orderly composed works as _Stoneheng_, they had not any: yea, no kind of sacred structures of stone were in use amongst them: their idolatrous places being naturally adorned, only with wild, and overgrown shades, designed and brought to perfection by Dame Nature her self, she being Architect generall to all their Deities. Nor did it consist with their vain Religion to use any other, they making their worship, performing their Ceremonies, offering their Sacrifices in dark and obscure groves, most conformable unto their barbarous, and inhumane, humane oblations.

[Sidenote: _Mayer. 1 K. 1. Ch._]

[Sidenote: _Herod. li. 1._]