STONE BOTHERING

Plague stones are found across England, and are usually in the form of hollowed-out stones or boulders. These stones are relics of the medieval plagues, and were used as a way to try to prevent the spread of disease. During the plague, people were terrified of catching the disease. They believed that it was contagious, and that it could be spread through contact with infected people or objects. Plague stones were placed along roads and at parish boundaries. They were filled with vinegar or another disinfectant, and people would place coins in the hollows. The idea was that people could buy food and other goods from outsiders without having to come into direct contact with them. Plague stones were also used to mark the graves of plague victims. This was done to help prevent people from accidentally disturbing the graves and spreading the disease. Today, plague stones are a sobering reminder of a bygone era. They are a testament to the fear and suffering that people endured during the pl...

Chun Castle and Chun Quoit are two of the most impressive ancient landmarks in Cornwall, England. Located near the village of Pendeen, they offer visitors a glimpse into the rich history and culture of the region. Chun Castle is a large Iron Age hillfort, built around 2,500 years ago. It is situated on a prominent hilltop, affording stunning views of the surrounding countryside and coastline. The fort is surrounded by two massive stone walls, with the inner wall enclosing an area of around 10 acres. The interior of the fort contains the remains of several roundhouses, which would have been the homes of the people who lived and worked there. Chun Castle is thought to have had a defensive purpose, given its strategic location and the presence of the two stone walls. However, it is also likely that the fort was a center for trade and social activity. The proximity of the fort to the much older Chun Quoit suggests that the two sites may have been connected in some way. Chun Quoit is a Neol...

Maen Llia is a standing stone in the heart of the Brecon Beacons National Park, a few miles north of Ystradfellte. It is a striking sight, standing 12 feet tall and 9 feet wide, and is one of the largest standing stones in Wales. The stone is thought to date back to the Bronze Age, around 3000 BC. Its original purpose is unknown, but it may have been a boundary marker, a religious site, or even a way to tell the time. Maen Llia is surrounded by many other ancient monuments, including a cairn, an embankment, and a platform. This suggests that the stone was part of an important ceremonial or religious complex. The stone is also associated with a number of legends. One legend says that the stone moves down to the river at night to drink. Another legend says that the stone is the home of a fairy queen. Whatever its original purpose, Maen Llia is a powerful and evocative monument. It is a reminder of the people who lived in the Brecon Beacons thousands of years ago. Maen Llia is a fascinati...

The Inca Ruins of Ollantaytambo, located in the Sacred Valley of Peru, are one of the most impressive and well-preserved Inca sites in the country. The ruins are a testament to the ingenuity and engineering skills of the Incas, and offer visitors a glimpse into their culture and way of life. Ollantaytambo was an important religious, administrative, and agricultural center for the Incas. The ruins include a series of temples, palaces, and terraces, as well as a sophisticated irrigation system. The most impressive structure at Ollantaytambo is the Temple of the Sun, a massive unfinished temple complex that is thought to have been dedicated to the Inca sun god, Inti. Another highlight of the Ollantaytambo ruins is the Intihuatana stone, a sacred stone that was used by the Incas for astronomical observations. The Intihuatana stone is located on a hilltop overlooking the ruins, and offers stunning views of the surrounding valley. In addition to the ruins themselves, the town of Ollantaytamb...

Dolmens, those ancient megalithic structures, have captivated the imagination of many, standing as silent sentinels of history. Found scattered across the English countryside, these burial chambers are steeped in mystery and lore. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the most notable dolmens in England. TRETHEVY QUOIT Located in Cornwall, Trethevy Quoit is one of the most striking dolmens in the country. This impressive structure consists of a massive capstone resting on three upright stones, creating a chamber that was likely used for burial purposes around 3500 BC. The quoit measures approximately 4 meters long and stands at a height of 2 meters. Its architectural grandeur hints at the skills of prehistoric builders and their understanding of stone construction. Visitors to Trethevy Quoit often feel a deep connection to the ancient world, imagining the rituals and ceremonies that once took place here. SPINSTER'S ROCK Not far from the picturesque village of Drewsteignton in De...

Nestled amidst the rolling hills of Dartmoor National Park in Devon, England, lies a fascinating relic of the past – Spinsters' Rock. This impressive dolmen, also known as a cromlech, is a testament to the ingenuity and beliefs of the Neolithic people who inhabited the region over 4,000 years ago. What is a Dolmen? The word "dolmen" comes from the Breton language and translates to "stone table." These megalithic structures typically consist of large, flat capstones supported by several upright stones. They were primarily used as burial chambers, serving as final resting places for the deceased. Spinsters' Rock: A Survivor of Time Spinsters' Rock is the most well-preserved dolmen in Devon. It comprises three granite supports, each reaching heights between 5.5 and 7.5 feet, holding aloft a massive capstone measuring an impressive 15 by 10 feet. Unfortunately, the surrounding barrow, which would have originally covered the dolmen with earth and stones, has ...

Nestled in the heart of Wiltshire, England, lies the quaint village of Winterbourne Monkton. While seemingly unassuming at first glance, this village holds a hidden charm – a collection of intriguing stones that whisper tales of a bygone era. Unlike the world-famous megaliths of nearby Avebury, Winterbourne Monkton's stones are shrouded in an air of mystery. Scattered throughout the village, these ancient sentinels stand as silent witnesses to the passage of time, their origins and purpose a puzzle waiting to be unravelled. One captivating feature is the large recumbent stone resting in the grounds of the village church. Believed to have originated from the Mill Barrow, an ancient burial mound, this stone fuels speculation about its connection to past rituals and practices. Adding to the intrigue are the sarsen stones, a type of sandstone commonly found in the area. These stones, discovered during bridge repairs, were once part of the Mill Barrow's foundation. Today, they stand...