Sites of Existential Relatedness: Findings from Phenomenological Research at Stonehenge, Avebury and the Vale of Pewsey, Wiltshire, UK

Heritage landscapes, such as Stonehenge and Avebury in Wiltshire, UK, uniquely foster existential relatedness—a profound sense of connection to something greater than oneself—which is linked to personal wellbeing. This qualitative study reveals that these prehistoric sites facilitate cultural, collective, and transcendent experiences, potentially offering one of the most significant social benefits of historic environments. The research employed phenomenological methods to explore how visitors engage with these landscapes, suggesting their capacity to induce a form of communitas—a shared sense of belonging—thereby contributing to existential wellbeing.

Nolan, C. (2019). Sites of Existential Relatedness: Findings from Phenomenological Research at Stonehenge, Avebury and the Vale of Pewsey, Wiltshire, UK. Public Archaeology, 18(1), 28–51. https://doi.org/10.1080/14655187.2019.1762151