On a Monday afternoon in late June, police were called to a Bronze Age stone circle in the Peak District to find a young man's body. He had been killed, officers said, ‘in the most brutal way’. The victim was named as Isaac Clare-Watts, a 26-year-old joiner from Arnold, Nottinghamshire. The discovery came just hours after hundreds of people had gathered at the site for summer solstice celebrations, dancing and playing loud music into the early hours. A 41-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in police custody.
Nine Ladies Stone Circle stands on Stanton Moor in Derbyshire, a protected ancient monument dating back more than 4,000 years. It is one of many such circles across Britain, built during the Bronze Age as ceremonial or ritual sites. In recent decades, it has become a popular destination for neo-pagan groups and others marking the solstice, the longest day of the year. The site is considered sacred by Pagans, who hold modern rituals there. But it also attracts less formal gatherings, including raves and parties, which have occasionally caused tension with local authorities.
“A murder at a Bronze Age stone circle during summer solstice. Key facts and context for UK readers.”
According to Derbyshire Police, Mr Clare-Watts had recently returned to the UK after travelling abroad, including a stint in Thailand where he trained in Muay Thai. He had previously worked for Frank Goulding Ltd, a Nottingham-based building firm, where he completed a joinery apprenticeship and was described as ‘a very popular member of our team’. His sister Jonimae and mother Christy Clare paid tribute to him as ‘Isaac the Wonder Boy’, urging anyone who attended the solstice event to come forward with information.
The investigation is being led by Detective Inspector Tony Owen of the East Midlands Special Operations Unit. He asked anyone who was at the stone circle between June 19 and 23 – especially those who captured video footage – to contact police. ‘A young man’s life has been taken in the most brutal way,’ he said, ‘so it is vital that myself and the team build up a clear picture of the exact circumstances surrounding his death.’ The police have not disclosed a possible motive or details of the attack.
For UK readers, the case highlights the uneasy relationship between access to ancient sites and the events held there. While many people visit stone circles peacefully, large unlicensed parties can strain resources and, in rare cases, lead to violence. The National Trust and English Heritage, which oversee many prehistoric monuments, often work with police to manage solstice gatherings – but remote sites like Nine Ladies are difficult to police. The tragedy also underscores the vulnerability of individuals at such events, where alcohol, drugs and late hours can sometimes fuel conflict.
Q: Where is Nine Ladies Stone Circle and why is it significant? Nine Ladies is a Bronze Age stone circle on Stanton Moor in the Peak District, Derbyshire. It consists of nine standing stones arranged in a circle, with a separate stone known as the King Stone nearby. It is a scheduled ancient monument and a popular spot for solstice celebrations due to its alignment with the sun.
Q: What happened to Isaac Clare-Watts? Isaac Clare-Watts, 26, was found dead at the stone circle on Monday June 22, 2026, after a summer solstice event. Police described his death as ‘brutal’. A 41-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and is in custody. Police are appealing for witnesses who attended the event between June 19 and 23.
Q: What are the challenges of policing such events at remote ancient sites? Ancient stone circles are often in open, rural locations without lighting or CCTV. Large gatherings, especially unlicensed parties, can be difficult to monitor. Police rely on tip-offs and footage from attendees to piece together events. The remote nature means response times can be longer, and violence can escalate before officers arrive.
What happens next: The arrested man remains in custody as detectives continue to interview witnesses and review video footage. Police have not yet charged anyone. The family of Isaac Clare-Watts have asked for privacy but urged anyone with information to contact Derbyshire Police. An inquest is likely to be opened in due course, and further arrests have not been ruled out.