It took 500 men just to pull each sarsen, plus 100 more to dash around positioning the rollers. Just think about it for a minute. Can you imagine trying to talk 600 people into helping you drag a 50-ton stone 18 miles across the countryside, muscle it into an upright position and then saying, 'Right, lads! Another twenty like that, plus some lintels and maybe a couple of dozen nice bluestones from Wales, and we can party!' Whoever was the person behind Stonehenge was one dickens of a motivator, I'll tell you that.
by Bill Bryson
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In Bill Bryson's "Notes from a Small Island," he reflects on the incredible feat of constructing Stonehenge, which required the efforts of 600 people to maneuver massive sarsen stones and other materials. The sheer scale of this project is mind-boggling; it involved dragging heavy stones over long distances and putting them in place with precise coordination. Bryson emphasizes the daunting task of convincing so many people to undertake such an extraordinary endeavor.

This reflection highlights not just the physical challenge but also the leadership and motivation behind Stonehenge's construction. It suggests that the mastermind behind this monumental structure must have been exceptionally persuasive and inspiring, convincing a large group to commit to an arduous task. Bryson’s amusement at the situation underscores the blend of determination and camaraderie that was likely essential to creating such an iconic landmark.

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