TODAY IN HISTORY: Man buys Stonehenge for wife, much to her dismay



1915 - English barrister buys Stonehenge monument for his wife

Stonehenge is one of the most iconic public tourist locations in the world. Yet, this has not always been the case.

On September 21, 1915, Sir Cecil Chubb bought the rights to the monument for $6600 (AU$11,700) at a private auction after the last male heir of the Antrobus family – the previous owners – died.

Many have speculated Sir Chubb bought the monument on a whim for his displeased wife.

However, historians believe it was more likely to prevent the stones from being acquired by overseas parties.

The Chubbs held the rights to Stonehenge until 1918, before the deed was gifted back to the nation under the condition that the public have free access to the site and nothing more than a donation box be erected nearby.