Near the small village of Long Compton in Warwickshire, England, lies an ancient monument shrouded in mystery and folklore. Known as the Rollright Stones, this cluster of natural stones is steeped in legends dating back to prehistoric times. The stones consist of three major components, including the King’s Men stone circle, Whispering Knights burial chamber, and the King Stone. The monument is believed to have been erected in the late Neolithic to Early Bronze Age periods, with its origins associated with pagan rituals and ceremonies.According to one cherished folklore tale, the Rollright Stones were once a king and his knights, turned into stone by a powerful witch. Legend has it that a king aspiring to conquer all of England was stopped by the powerful enchantress, known as Mother Shipton. She challenged him with a riddle: ‘Seven long strides shalt thou take, If Long Compton thou can see, King of England thou shalt be.’ The eager king, sure of his success, took seven confident strides, only to be thwarted by a rise in the ground. The witch then cursed him, ‘As Long Compton thou canst not see, King of England thou shalt not be. Rise up stick and stand still stone, For King of England thou shalt be none. Thou and thy men hoar stones shall be, and I myself an elder tree.’ And hence, the king turned into what is now known as the King Stone, and his men transformed into the ring known as King’s Men, forever frozen in their places.Despite scientific attempts to explain their existence, the Rollright Stones continue to invite awe and capture the imagination of those who visit. Every year, during the summer solstice, neo-pagans, druids, and curious visitors gather at the site to honor the ancient stones and the mystic past they so silently hold.