The monument underwent a number of building phases, beginning in the late Neolithic and continuing into the Early Bronze Age; when the large long mound was constructed inside the circle. It originally held two burial cists with cremated human remains, one at each end of the mound. The original purpose for stone circles in unknown, but many archaeologists believe that they were used for multiple purposes, including burials, religious or ceremonial purposes, and community gatherings. It has also been suggested that the stones were situated in relation to meaningful solar and lunar alignments.