At the northern end there is evidence to suggest that a second cursus
may once have existed, running at a near right angle to the east along an alignment marked out by two nearby barrows.
The purpose of the Dorset Cursus, (and, indeed the Greater and Lesser
Cursus at Stonehenge) is unknown although it is widely suspected that it may have been associated with funeral games or races.
It is possible that the function of the cursus has some association with the nearby Knowlton Henge complex and the recently
discovered henge at Wyke Down.
Whatever the purpose of this site it clearly took some dedication
and coordination to build. Over six million cubic feet (170,000 cubic metres) of chalk were removed in its construction.
Research has suggested an alignment on certain stars. In John North's
book, "Stonehenge, Neolithic Man and the Cosmos" there is a fascinating theory concerning the observation of two stars from
the Great Cursus at Stonehenge and the processions which would have been possible in the time between the setting of one and
the rising of the other. His research has shown that similar observations would have been possible from the Dorset Cursus.
Alignments with the rising of the Sun and Moon at around 2,500 BC
have also been suggested
When
Stukeley to the Cursus came,
Low down in Hallowed ground,
A Roman race-track gave its name,
Low down are secrets found
For six long miles it stretches west,
Low down in Hallowed ground,
And ancient warriors take their rest,
Low down are secrets found.
A barrow marking either end,
Low down in Hallowed ground,
And one will see the sun descend,
Low down are secrets found.
A thousand years - no human sound,
Low down in Hallowed ground,
No living soul disturbed this mound,
Low down are secrets found.
There stands a priest within the mist,
Low down in Hallowed ground,
He shakes his head and waves his fist,
Low down are secrets found.
"Who comes to wake our weary bones?"
Low down in Hallowed ground,
"Now leave us be", the warrior groans,
Low down are secrets found.
