Torhouse facts for kids
Torhousekie stone circle
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 Location in Dumfries and Galloway
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| Alternative name | Torhousekie |
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| Location | Galloway |
| Coordinates | 54°52′39″N 4°31′22″W / 54.877472°N 4.522639°W |
| Type | Stone circle |
| History | |
| Periods | Neolithic / Bronze Age |
| Site notes | |
| Ownership | Historic Environment Scotland |
| Public access | Yes |
| Official name | Torhouse Stone Circle |
| Reference no. | SM90304 |
The Standing Stones of Torhouse, also known as Torhousekie, are an ancient stone circle found in Scotland. This amazing site has nineteen large granite stones. You can find them on the land of Torhouse, about three miles west of a town called Wigtown.
Contents
What is the Torhouse Stone Circle?
The Torhouse Stone Circle is a group of nineteen large granite rocks. These stones are placed in a circle shape. They sit on a slightly raised area of ground.
How Big Are the Stones?
The stones are different sizes. They range from about 0.6 meters (about 2 feet) to 1.5 meters (about 5 feet) tall. The biggest stones, which are over 1 meter tall, are on the southeast side of the circle. The whole circle is about 22 meters (about 72 feet) across.
What's in the Middle of the Circle?
Inside the main circle, you will find three tall stones standing in a line. These three central stones point from the northeast to the southwest. They are a special part of the design.
Are There Other Stones Nearby?
Yes, there are more stones close by! Two stones stand about 40 meters (about 130 feet) to the south-southeast of the main circle. One of these is large, and the other is smaller.
There is also a stone row of three stones. This row is about 130 meters (about 425 feet) to the east. You can also see parts of old burial mounds, called cairns, in the area.
When Were the Torhouse Stones Built?
Scientists believe the Torhouse Stones were built a very long time ago. They probably date back to the Neolithic period or the Bronze Age. This means they could be thousands of years old!
So far, archaeologists have not dug up the area to study it. This means we still have many mysteries about the circle. The Torhouse Stones are looked after by Historic Environment Scotland. They are a special protected site called a scheduled monument.
What Stories Do People Tell About the Stones?
Local stories and traditions are often passed down through generations. People in the area have some interesting tales about the Torhouse Stones.
The Myth of King Galdus
One old story says that the three large stones in the center of the circle hold the tomb of Galdus. Galdus was a mythical king of Scotland. This is a legend, not a proven fact. A similar story is told about another ancient site in Galloway called Cairnholy.
The Wishing Stone
There is a special stone in a wall (called a dyke) on the south side of the road. This stone has a deep hole in it. An old tradition says that "the knowing never pass without depositing therein some pebble or gift to pass in peace." This means people who know the story often leave a small stone or gift in the hole. They do this hoping for a peaceful journey or good luck.
Gallery
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The three stones in the center of the circle
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The Torhousekie Stone Row, located east of the main stone circle
