A new photographic exhibition at Stonehenge captures 150 years of memories at the iconic landmark. If you’re visiting the monument on one of our tailor-made tours in 2020, we're wondering how you will record your unforgettable experience there.

1875 © Routh family (courtesy of English Heritage)

Following a call to mark 100 years of public ownership of Stonehenge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, English Heritage was inundated with images spanning three centuries. Your Stonehenge – 150 years of personal photos features 148 of these images. Collectively, the photos reveal the monument as a backdrop for romance, poignant moments and enduring memories.

The oldest photo in the exhibition dates back to 1875 and is believed to be the earliest family photograph taken at Stonehenge. The photo was sent to English Heritage by the descendants of Isabel, Maud and Robert Routh, who are pictured in a horse and carriage enjoying a day out at the stones.

1962 © Michael Oliver (courtesy of English Heritage)

The most recent photo in the exhibition is taken by Curator Martin Parr at the 2019 Autumn Equinox, and features an unknown couple taking a selfie against the backdrop of the stones. English Heritage hopes to track down the people photographed and provide them with a signed copy of the image, taken on what will no doubt have been a day at Stonehenge they will always remember.

Martin Parr said: "I first photographed Stonehenge years ago and it was fantastic to be invited back to photograph it again for this exhibition. I loved looking at the images that people sent in. They really show what the stones mean to people and how our relationship with a site like Stonehenge has changed and yet stayed the same through time. I want to find the couple in the image I took at Autumn Equinox and present them with a copy of their photo, and I’d really love to see the picture that they were taking at the time!"

1941 © Joyce Leeson (courtesy of English Heritage)

Susan Greaney, English Heritage Historian, said: "People have been visiting Stonehenge for centuries, for all sorts of reasons, and taking photos of themselves and their loved ones in front of the stones since the very earliest days of photography. The monument has provided a constant backdrop to millions of family memories, and in some cases has even played a part in changing the course of people’s lives. Our captivating new exhibition shows just how we are all a part of Stonehenge’s story and it is a part of ours."

Your Stonehenge – 150 years of personal photos runs until late August 2020 – and if you're visitng Stonehenge on one of our tours, we would love to receive photos of your visit!

If you or your group would like to enjoy a visit to Stonehenge on a tailor-made heritage tour or ancient history tour of England, or the UK and Ireland, with Janet Redler Travel & Tourism, please do contact our friendly team today.