AN ancient poem believed to have been written about Bath could in fact be the earliest writing ever discovered about Stonehenge, according to an academic expert following a presentation last night at the Amesbury History Centre. 

Mediaeval language scholar Dr Graeme Davis believes an 8th Century Anglo Saxon poem called “The Ruin” could be the oldest known surviving text in the world to describe the monument.

Although the original manuscript is damaged, Mr Davis has translated the poem and said he was surprised to find references to the standing stones as the “old ones”.

Mr Davis is part of a team studying a constant spring at Blick Mead in Amesbury.

He believes that the Stones and Blick Mead spring could be those referred to in the poem.

The spring caught Mr Davis’ attention during recent visits to Amesbury and led to discussions with the Amesbury Museum and Heritage Trust over the interesting history of the area.

A spokesman for the trust said: “Graeme’s interpretation of this poem intriguingly focuses the mind on Stonehenge especially with the reference to a hundred generations passed and the naming of the Stones as “the elders” or “old ones”.

“If the spring is indeed Blick Mead, it reinforces links and unlocks another clue to Amesbury’s significance in British History.

“It is interesting to note the book is recognised as one of the greatest works of the Benedictine revival, for which Amesbury played a major role.”

The full translation can be found on the Amesbury Museum, Heritage Trust Facebook page and the hard copy can be seen at the Amesbury History Centre.