Womble Bond Dickinson advises Historic England on acquisition of 'the Stonehenge of the North'

The earthworks are thought to have been part of a ritual landscape, comparable with Salisbury Plain in south-west England, and are probably the most important single ancient site between Stonehenge and the Orkney Islands in Scotland.

Historic England has acquired the henges from Tarmac, a building materials and construction services business, who have gifted the complex into legal ownership of the Government's heritage adviser.

The henges will join Stonehenge, Iron Bridge, Dover Castle, Kenwood and numerous Roman sites on Hadrian’s Wall within the National Heritage Collection. They are now under the care of English Heritage and are free to visit. As part of its interpretation programme, the charity will share with visitors Thornborough Henges’ stories and explain its significance.

The WBD team acting for Historic England was led by partner William Akerman and managing associate Georgina Hook from the firm's real estate practice. They were assisted by paralegal Adam Sykes and solicitor Ash Kaur.

Mr Akerman commented: "This was an important transaction for Historic England and we are proud to have played a part in the safeguarding of this significant site. We have a particular knowledge and skillset in this area, having worked together with Historic England and English Heritage for a number of years and we are thrilled to continue our long-standing relationship with this important client of our firm."