Cecil Chubb: The Guy That Bought Stonehenge But His Wife Hated It So He Gave It Away
- Daniel Holland
- Jul 9, 2022
- 6 min read
Updated: Sep 21
The purchase of Stonehenge by Sir Cecil Chubb in 1915 is one of those stories that proves truth really can outdo fiction. Imagine sending your husband out for some sensible dining chairs and watching him stroll home having accidentally acquired one of the world’s most famous prehistoric monuments. Let’s unpack Chubb’s unlikely shopping spree, the family fallout, and why the nation is ultimately very glad he had expensive taste in megaliths.
The Auction of Stonehenge
On 21 September 1915, the Palace Theatre in Salisbury played host not to a theatrical performance, but to one of the oddest auctions in British history. Stonehenge, the 4,500-year-old monument of mysterious origins and profound cultural significance, was up for grabs.
The sale came about after Sir Edmund Antrobus’s son died in World War I, leaving the family to sell off the property. The auction opened at £5,000. Among those attending was Cecil Chubb, a local barrister with a philanthropic streak and, it seems, a weakness for impulse purchases.
Instead of politely watching the bidding, Chubb raised his hand and offered £6,600 (around £490,000 in today’s money), promptly securing ownership of Stonehenge. Asked later about his decision, he explained:
“I thought a Salisbury man ought to buy it, and that is how it was done.”
This wasn’t so much financial planning as civic pride — the Edwardian version of deciding your town should hold onto the local football club, except this time it involved giant stones and druids.
Family Response and Personal Background
Cecil Chubb’s background was classic Edwardian success story material. Born in Shrewton, Wiltshire, in 1876, he worked his way from modest beginnings through Bishop Wordsworth’s School and Cambridge University to become a barrister and landowner. His marriage to Mary Finch elevated his standing in Salisbury society.
But while his peers may have nodded approvingly at his patriotic gesture, his wife reportedly did not. According to anecdote, Mary had sent Cecil to the auction to buy a set of dining chairs. One can only imagine her face when he walked through the door saying, “Well, I didn’t find any chairs… but look what I did get!”
From Private Owner to National Hero
Whether or not Mary ever got those chairs, Cecil soon decided that owning Stonehenge was perhaps a bit much for one household. On 26 October 1918, he donated the monument to the British government. His deed of gift set out the principle that Stonehenge should be preserved and made accessible to the public.
He put it plainly:
“I desire that the Ancient Monument known as Stonehenge shall be preserved for the nation.”
The government was thrilled. Sir Alfred Mond, the First Commissioner of Works, declared:
“The nation owes a debt of gratitude to Mr. Chubb, who by his generous action has preserved this ancient monument for all time.”
Cecil was promptly knighted in 1919. A barrister, philanthropist, impulsive auction-goer, and now Sir Cecil Chubb, all thanks to a spur-of-the-moment bid.
Stonehenge in the Chubb Years
Chubb’s time as owner wasn’t all paperwork and philanthropy. Before protective fences were erected, local residents often used Stonehenge as a picnic spot. Chubb welcomed visitors, hosting friends and dignitaries who wanted to gaze at the stones up close. For a few years, the world’s most famous circle of stones was, quite literally, his back garden.
These informal gatherings emphasised that Stonehenge wasn’t just an archaeological marvel, but also a communal landmark — a place where people came together, whether for curiosity, leisure, or perhaps the occasional sandwich.
Legacy
Chubb’s spontaneous bid at a Salisbury auction not only preserved Stonehenge but also transformed it into a protected national treasure. Today, it is managed by English Heritage and attracts millions of visitors each year.
While the story is sometimes reduced to “the man who bought Stonehenge instead of dining chairs,” it represents much more: an example of how personal decisions can have lasting cultural consequences.
Cecil Chubb may not have been the kind of collector his wife had in mind, but his eccentric purchase guaranteed that Stonehenge would be safeguarded for generations. As accidental acts of philanthropy go, this one was monumental.
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.
A plaque commemorates Sir Cecil's birthplace, along with his mistletoe-sporting coat of arms 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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