Turner had drawn this most recognisable of English landmarks several times in a sketchbook of 1815. But this view bears little resemblance to the actual disposition of Stonehenge. Far from producing a topographical representation, Turner has instead invented a catastrophic scene.

The shepherd and his flock of sheep have been struck by lightning. turner may have introduced this scene of destruction to echo the ruins of a dead druidical religion, represented by the ancient stones. It was published in Picturesque Views in England and Wales.