Cecil Chubb: The Guy That Bought Stonehenge But His Wife Hated It So He Gave It Away
The purchase of Stonehenge by Sir Cecil Chubb in 1915 marks a significant episode in the preservation of British heritage. Let's have a look at the motivations and implications of Chubb’s decision, the response from his family, and the broader historical context of Stonehenge. By examining these aspects, we gain a deeper understanding of the interplay between individual agency and cultural heritage conservation.
The Auction of Stonehenge
On September 21, 1915, an auction held at the Palace Theatre in Salisbury presented an opportunity to acquire Stonehenge, an ancient monument of profound historical and cultural significance. The sale followed the death of Sir Edmund Antrobus’s son during World War I, which precipitated the decision to sell the property. The auction’s starting bid was £5,000, and among the attendees was Cecil Chubb, a local barrister known for his philanthropic activities. In a spontaneous decision, Chubb bid £6,600 (equivalent to approximately £490,000 today) and secured ownership of Stonehenge.
Reflecting on his purchase, Chubb remarked,
“I thought a Salisbury man ought to buy it, and that is how it was done.”
This statement underscores his sense of local responsibility and civic pride, reflecting the broader Edwardian values of stewardship and public service.
Family Response and Personal Background
Born in Shrewton, Wiltshire, in 1876, Cecil Chubb’s trajectory from humble beginnings to a successful barrister and landowner is noteworthy. Educated at Bishop Wordsworth's School and later at Cambridge University, Chubb exemplified the Edwardian ideal of self-improvement through education and hard work. His marriage to Mary Finch further cemented his social standing within the Salisbury community.
However, Chubb’s acquisition of Stonehenge was not universally celebrated within his household. According to anecdotal evidence, Mary Chubb had dispatched her husband to the auction with the intent of purchasing dining chairs, not an ancient monument. This domestic discord, though lightly documented, suggests a tension between personal ambition and practical considerations within the family dynamic.
Post-Acquisition Developments
Recognising the national importance of Stonehenge, Cecil Chubb decided to donate the site to the British government on October 26, 1918. His deed of gift included provisions to ensure the monument’s preservation and public accessibility. Chubb articulated his intent clearly:
“I desire that the Ancient Monument known as Stonehenge shall be preserved for the nation.”
This act of philanthropy was lauded by contemporary figures, including Sir Alfred Mond, the First Commissioner of Works, who stated, “The nation owes a debt of gratitude to Mr. Chubb, who by his generous action has preserved this ancient monument for all time.".
In recognition of his contribution, Cecil Chubb was knighted in 1919, becoming Sir Cecil Chubb. His legacy is indelibly linked to the conservation of Stonehenge, now managed by English Heritage and one of the United Kingdom’s most visited historical landmarks. The transition of Stonehenge from private ownership to a protected public site underscores the evolving attitudes towards heritage conservation during the early 20th century.
Chubb’s tenure as the owner of Stonehenge is replete with anecdotes that illustrate his personal connection to the site. Local residents, prior to the erection of protective fencing, often visited Stonehenge for leisure activities such as picnicking. Chubb himself was known to host visitors at the monument, sharing the awe-inspiring structure with friends and dignitaries. These informal interactions highlight the communal value of Stonehenge, beyond its archaeological and historical significance.
In later reflections, Chubb expressed satisfaction with his decision, recognising the broader impact of his stewardship. His spontaneous bid at the Salisbury auction not only preserved Stonehenge but also facilitated its transformation into a symbol of national heritage.
The acquisition of Stonehenge by Sir Cecil Chubb in 1915 is a poignant example of how individual actions can influence the preservation of cultural heritage. Chubb’s unexpected purchase, driven by local pride and civic duty, ensured that Stonehenge would be protected and accessible for future generations. This episode serves as a testament to the enduring importance of stewardship and the profound legacy of personal philanthropy in the realm of heritage conservation.
The construction of Stonehenge spanned several millennia, with the earliest work dating back to around 3000 BC during the late Neolithic period. The monument we see today evolved through various phases, each reflecting significant advancements in prehistoric engineering and cultural practices.
Phase One (c. 3000 BC): The Earthwork Enclosure The initial phase of Stonehenge involved the creation of a circular earthwork enclosure, consisting of a ditch, bank, and 56 pits known as the Aubrey Holes. These pits were likely used for religious or ceremonial purposes, possibly containing wooden posts or stones.
Phase Two (c. 2900 BC): The Timber Phase Evidence suggests that Stonehenge was primarily a timber structure during its second phase. Large wooden posts were erected in the center of the site, and the Aubrey Holes may have been repurposed. This phase reflects a transitional period in the monument's development.
Phase Three (c. 2600 BC): The Arrival of the Bluestones The third phase saw the introduction of the bluestones, which were transported from the Preseli Hills in Wales, approximately 150 miles away. These stones, weighing up to 4 tons each, were arranged in a double crescent formation at the center of the site. This significant logistical feat indicates the importance of Stonehenge to its builders.
Phase Four (c. 2500 BC): The Sarsen Circle and Trilithons The most iconic phase of Stonehenge involved the erection of the massive sarsen stones, sourced from the Marlborough Downs, 20 miles north of the site. These stones were arranged in a circular formation, with lintels connecting them to form a continuous ring. Inside this circle, five trilithons (two vertical stones with a horizontal lintel) were constructed in a horseshoe arrangement, creating the monument's distinctive silhouette.
Later Phases and Modifications (c. 2000–1600 BC) Subsequent modifications included the rearrangement of the bluestones into a horseshoe and circle within the sarsen ring. Additionally, smaller stones, such as the Altar Stone and the Heel Stone, were added. The precise alignments of these stones suggest sophisticated knowledge of astronomy and seasonal cycles.
Theories about Stonehenge's Purpose
The enigmatic nature of Stonehenge has given rise to numerous theories regarding its purpose and significance. While definitive answers remain elusive, several prominent theories offer insights into the monument's possible functions.
Astronomical Observatory One of the most widely accepted theories posits that Stonehenge served as an astronomical observatory. The alignment of the stones with celestial events, such as the summer solstice sunrise and the winter solstice sunset, supports this hypothesis. Researchers believe that prehistoric people used Stonehenge to track solar and lunar cycles, which were crucial for agricultural and ceremonial purposes.
Ceremonial and Religious Site Another prevalent theory suggests that Stonehenge was a site of religious and ceremonial significance. The effort and resources required to transport and erect the stones imply a monument of great importance. Archaeological evidence of burials and ritualistic deposits indicates that Stonehenge may have been a centre for ancestor worship and other religious practices.
Healing Center Some scholars propose that Stonehenge functioned as a healing center. This theory is based on the presence of bluestones, which were believed to have mystical properties. Archaeological findings of human remains with signs of illness and injury suggest that people may have traveled to Stonehenge seeking healing.
Communal Gathering Place The construction of Stonehenge likely involved large-scale communal effort, pointing to its role as a social gathering place. The site's strategic location and the extensive labour required for its construction indicate that it may have been a centre for trade, social interaction, and cultural exchange among different communities.
Recent Discoveries and Ongoing Research
Modern archaeological techniques, such as ground-penetrating radar and geophysical surveys, have revolutionised our understanding of Stonehenge and its surrounding landscape. Recent discoveries have uncovered new structures and features that provide additional context for the monument.
The Stonehenge Landscape Project This extensive survey of the area surrounding Stonehenge has revealed numerous previously unknown sites, including large pits, postholes, and other earthworks. These findings suggest that Stonehenge was part of a much larger and complex ceremonial landscape.
The Durrington Walls and Woodhenge Excavations at nearby Durrington Walls and Woodhenge have provided valuable insights into the lives of the people who built Stonehenge. Evidence of large settlements, feasting activities, and wooden structures indicates that these sites were closely linked to Stonehenge, possibly serving as living quarters for the builders.
The Bluestone Quarry Sites Recent excavations in the Preseli Hills have identified the quarries where the bluestones were sourced. These discoveries have shed light on the methods used to extract and transport the stones, highlighting the ingenuity and determination of the Neolithic people.
References
English Heritage. History of Stonehenge. Retrieved from English Heritage.
Historic England. The Donation of Stonehenge. Retrieved from Historic England.
The Telegraph. How Stonehenge was saved by a man who bought it on a whim. Retrieved from The Telegraph.
BBC. Stonehenge: Cecil Chubb and his unusual purchase. Retrieved from BBC.
Darvill, T. (2006). Stonehenge: The Biography of a Landscape. Tempus Publishing.
Parker Pearson, M. (2012). Stonehenge: Exploring the Greatest Stone Age Mystery. Simon & Schuster.
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