Why did Stonehenge change ownership in 1915?

Question

Here is the question : WHY DID STONEHENGE CHANGE OWNERSHIP IN 1915?

Option

Here is the option for the question :

  • It was given as a gift
  • It was invaded
  • It was sold at auction
  • It was inherited

The Answer:

And, the answer for the the question is :

It was sold at auction

Explanation:

Previously, Sir Edmund Antrobus, a British politician, owned the property where Stonehenge was located. Antrobus’s estate was put up for auction after his passing. Rich lawyer Cecil Chubb went to the auction to buy dining chairs, but instead bought Stonehenge for £6,600 (about $1 million in modern currency). A few years later, Chubb gave the site to the British people.

Why did Stonehenge change ownership in 1915?

Stonehenge, the iconic prehistoric monument located in Wiltshire, England, has fascinated and captivated people for centuries. Its enigmatic origins and purpose continue to inspire awe and curiosity. In 1915, Stonehenge underwent a significant change in ownership when it was sold at auction. This transfer of ownership marked a pivotal moment in the monument’s history and raised questions about its preservation and future.

The decision to sell Stonehenge at auction was primarily driven by financial considerations. At the time, the monument was owned by the Antrobus family, who had inherited it in the early 19th century. However, the upkeep and maintenance costs associated with Stonehenge were substantial, and the family found it increasingly difficult to bear the financial burden.

Recognizing the financial strain, the Antrobus family made the decision to sell Stonehenge. The auction took place on September 21, 1915, at the Palace Theatre in Salisbury. The winning bid came from a local resident and wealthy barrister named Cecil Chubb. Chubb purchased Stonehenge for the sum of £6,600, which was a considerable amount at the time.

Chubb’s acquisition of Stonehenge was initially met with mixed reactions. Some viewed it as a positive development, as it ensured the preservation of the monument under private ownership, while others expressed concerns about the potential exploitation of the site for commercial gain. However, Chubb’s intentions soon became clear, as he made a generous and unexpected decision.

Just three years after purchasing Stonehenge, Cecil Chubb donated the monument to the British nation. In 1918, he transferred ownership of Stonehenge to the British government, specifically to the care of the Office of Works (now known as English Heritage). Chubb’s act of philanthropy was driven by his desire to ensure that Stonehenge would be protected and accessible to the public for generations to come.

Chubb’s donation of Stonehenge to the British government marked a turning point in the monument’s history. It led to increased efforts to preserve and study the site, as well as the establishment of visitor facilities to accommodate the growing number of tourists. Stonehenge became a legally protected Scheduled Ancient Monument, ensuring its conservation and safeguarding against unauthorized alterations or damage.

Since Chubb’s donation, Stonehenge has continued to be a site of archaeological research and public fascination. Numerous studies and excavations have shed light on its construction, purpose, and the lives of the people who built it. The monument’s significance as a UNESCO World Heritage site has only grown, attracting millions of visitors each year and serving as a symbol of ancient human ingenuity and cultural heritage.

The change in ownership of Stonehenge in 1915 marked a crucial moment in its history. The sale at auction, followed by Cecil Chubb’s donation to the British government, ensured the preservat