A number of prominent historians have joined forces to oppose plans to build a road tunnel under Stonehenge. Dan Snow, Ruth Scurr and Tom Holland have lent their support to the Stonehenge Alliance, which is also against the plans to use a tunnel to widen the A303.

Mr Snow said: "We have recently started to realise that the standing stones are just a beginning, they sit at the heart of the world's most significant and best-preserved Stone Age landscape. The Government's plans endanger this unique site."

However, the government hopes that the proposals will provide a better setting for the iconic landmark by removing the busy road above ground, and believes the tunnel is necessary to provide adequate transport links for the area.
A Department for Transport spokesman noted that the plans had the backing of the National Trust and English Heritage, and insisted that all necessary steps to safeguard Stonehenge would be taken.