Rising from the rolling fields of Wiltshire, Stonehenge is the kind of landmark that will be instantly familiar to many, and yet deeply mysterious in its reasons for being. You’ve seen it in textbooks, documentaries, and even in pop culture. But standing before Stonehenge, in all its neolithic glory, is something else entirely. As Julia Richardson, Stonehenge operations manager at English Heritage, puts it, the site extends far beyond its iconic silhouette: “People think they know Stonehenge because it’s an image you see everywhere. But when you get here, you realise there’s so much more to learn.”
Richardson’s role offers a rare behind-the-scenes perspective on what it takes to bring this prehistoric site to life. From overseeing visitor experiences to managing major events such as the solstice celebrations, her work spans everything from logistics to storytelling. “I like to think I have the really lucky job of doing all the nice bits,” she says. “From making sure the site is physically safe and welcoming, right down to the events we’re putting on and how our team is tasked to meet and greet people. It’s a little bit of everything.”
