News

Humans, not glaciers, moved Stonehenge bluestones from Wales, research confirms

Published

8 months ago

July 29, 2025

THE ICONIC bluestones of Stonehenge were transported from Pembrokeshire to Salisbury Plain by people rather than glaciers, according to new research led by Aberystwyth University.

For decades, archaeologists have debated whether the massive stones — some weighing up to four tonnes — were dragged more than 200km from west Wales by Neolithic people, or carried south by glacial ice during the Ice Age.

The latest study, carried out with University College London, the University of South Wales and the University of Exeter, focuses on a distinctive fragment known as the “Newall boulder”. Excavated at Stonehenge in 1924, the boulder has long been central to the argument.

Some earlier studies described it as a glacial erratic, suggesting it was moved by ice. But detailed analysis — including X-ray, geochemical and microscopic examination — found “no evidence to support” that theory. Instead, the research team concluded it is rhyolite debitage from Craig Rhos-y-Felin in north Pembrokeshire, most likely the broken top of Stone 32d, now a buried stump at Stonehenge.

Lead author Professor Richard Bevins said: “Our examinations show that the Newall boulder matches rock from Craig Rhos-y-Felin exactly. Combined with strong archaeological evidence for stone extraction at the site, we believe Neolithic people transported it all the way to Wiltshire. Stonehenge itself proves such an extraordinary feat was possible.”

The team also point out that if glaciers had carried the stones, similar boulders would be scattered widely across Salisbury Plain. Instead, bluestones are found only at Stonehenge and its immediate surroundings.

The findings, published in Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports, are described as the most complete review yet of the Newall boulder evidence. The authors conclude: “There is no evidence of glaciation on Salisbury Plain. The bluestones were brought to Stonehenge by human hands, not by ice.”

Professor Bevins and co-author Professor Nick Pearce were also part of a 2024 study which revealed Stonehenge’s Altar Stone originated from north-east Scotland, not from the Preseli Hills as previously believed.

The research was supported by an Emeritus Fellowship from the Leverhulme Trust.

Crime

Carmarthen man denies coercive control allegations

Published

26 minutes ago

March 20, 2026

Court Reporter

Defendant remanded in custody ahead of further hearing

A CARMARTHEN man has denied allegations of controlling and coercive behaviour towards his partner during a prolonged period of alleged abuse.

Mark Hanson, aged 51, of no fixed abode but previously linked to Llangunnor Road, Llangunnor, Carmarthen, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court for a further case management hearing on Wednesday (Mar 19).

The court heard that Hanson is accused of engaging in controlling or coercive behaviour in an intimate relationship, contrary to Section 76 of the Serious Crime Act 2015.

It is alleged that between January 1, 2024 and March 12, 2026, at Stackpole, Hanson repeatedly or continuously subjected a female to threats of violence. Prosecutors say the pair were partners at the time, and that the behaviour had a serious effect on the complainant, which Hanson either knew or ought to have known.

Hanson entered a not guilty plea to the charge on March 13.

The court was told that he has been remanded in custody ahead of the next hearing, with magistrates citing concerns that he may commit further offences, including causing injury or fear of injury to a person connected to the case.

Additional information presented to the court indicated that Hanson is currently serving a custodial sentence of two months for breaching a Domestic Violence Protection Order.

The case was adjourned for a further case management hearing, which is scheduled to take place at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Mar 23) at 10:00am. The hearing is expected to be conducted via video link and is listed for a duration of 20 minutes.

Magistrates Mr A Allison, Mrs J Morris and Mr D England presided over the hearing. The prosecution was led by Sian Vaughan, with Hanson represented by Alaw Harries of DGJ Solicitors.

News

Pembrokeshire’s Muslims gather to celebrate Eid al-Fitr as Ramadan ends

Published

33 minutes ago

March 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

MUSLIMS across Pembrokeshire are marking the end of Ramadan with celebrations for Eid al-Fitr, one of the most important festivals in the Islamic calendar.

Members of the local Muslim community gathered once again at the Hamad Bin Khalifa Islamic Centre in Milford Haven on Thursday morning (Mar 20) to pray, share food, and celebrate together following a month of fasting from dawn to sunset.

Eid al-Fitr begins with special morning prayers, before families and friends come together to enjoy meals, exchange gifts, and spend time with loved ones. It is also a time for charity, reflection, and strengthening community ties.

Local businesses, many run by members of the Muslim community, often close or operate reduced hours during the celebrations, as families take time to mark the occasion.

Herald Editor Tom Sinclair, who previously attended Eid celebrations at the centre, said: “It is always a privilege to be invited to such a warm and welcoming event.

“The sense of community is clear to see, and after a month of fasting, it is a real moment of joy for everyone involved.

“Eid Mubarak to all those celebrating across Pembrokeshire.”

What is Eid al-Fitr?

Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, during which Muslims fast during daylight hours as an act of worship and self-discipline.

The festival is a time of celebration and generosity. People wear new or their best clothes, visit family and friends, and often give to charity to ensure that everyone can take part in the festivities.

Across the world, Eid is celebrated in different ways, but the message remains the same: unity, gratitude, and goodwill.

Crime

Youth, 15, admits assault on police officer in Milford Haven

Published

47 minutes ago

March 20, 2026

Court Reporter

A 15-YEAR-OLD has admitted assaulting a police officer during an incident in Milford Haven.

Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court heard that the offence took place on Saturday (Mar 1), when the youth assaulted Police Constable 573 Evans.

The defendant appeared before magistrates on Wednesday (Mar 19), where a guilty plea to common assault was entered.

The court granted unconditional bail and adjourned the case for sentencing.

The youth is due to appear again at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Apr 2) at 10:00am for sentencing. The hearing is expected to last around 30 minutes.

Under Section 49 of the Children and Young Persons Act 1933, the youth cannot be identified.