Our ancestors built Stonehenge for all of us

sir – Juliet Samuel’s insightful article concerning the origins of Stonehenge (January 5) raises some interesting issues about identity.

English Heritage’s reference to “our ancestors” on the sign at the site entrance to Stonehenge does not necessarily imply direct biological descent. Our ancestors are those who came before us, from whom we inherit such wonders as Stonehenge and many other historic monuments. This broader definition, rather than being narrowly restricted to a small sub-section of the community who may self-identify as “indigenous British”, instead applies to all of us, including our thousands of international visitors.

Susan Greaney

Senior Properties Historian English Heritage

Bristol

A reveller leaps from one of the stones during a gathering to mark the summer solstice