I made this little video in the Summer. (Yes...I must improve my camera skills. But still it's just me and my tiny digital camera! I tried to download it from my computer but it was taking too long and I need to go and hug my children instead of playing at computers and Twitter!)
Just off the Military Road, and named on the Ordnance Survey map of 1901, the Mare and Foal are thought to be the last stones standing of a circle about 15 feet across. But there have been only two left since the time of the Romans because they efficiently noted them, possibly when they were building their nearby fort of Great Chesters. ( I cut and paste this from this fascinating article about the Hexham Courant which also talks about the fort, Great Chesters, which I have nicknamed the "Miss Havisham" fort. More of which anon.)
I don't know much about these Standing Stones so if anyone can shed any more light on them....? T'would be wonderful to hear from you, if so......
11 comments:
No, I wish I did...but the video was great and the article really fascinating.
Thank you, Fly!
Oh I've had masses of fun today but must go. . . .!
Lovely to see a video of your beautiful part of the world Hadriana. Would love to know more of the history of those stones too.
A x
I enjoyed the video but cannot say what the stones mean.
Maggie X
Nuts in May
The historian John Hodgson wrote in 1840, "...two unhewn blocks, one of basalt, about 6 feet high--the other lower, and of sandstone, stand very conspicuously on a ridge of ground which has been artificially heightened for a small distance around them. They are now called the Mare and Foal; but on Armstrong's map, which was published in 1769, 'The Three Stones'." That's about all I can find; later sources also mention 3 stones in 1769, suggesting that one was thieved or felled between 1769 & 1840.
The next time you've got oodles of free time (hah!!), go to books.google.com and type "mare and foal northumberland." Amazing how many complete, scanned-in books there are out there for the perusing! It's a great time to be alive.
SJA and Maggie...many thanks for the feedback. I'll have to get someone to hold the camera for me and go without the children (maybe)..and get a clearer shot!
Harry: Ooh. Great. Thanks for that. Very informative. Yes...I must cast around for more info but am very grateful for input. It is super what can be found on the internet these days! :)
How odd. I have been to those stones. My grandfather took me there - it must be thirty years ago. He knew lots about standing stones and cup and ring marks and neolithic burila grounds and the like.
There are standing stones near my house in Wales too.
There is book called , Prehistoric Rock Art in Britain by Stan Beckinsall that covers these types of finds - it is on Amazon. But there are others; my grandfather used to have lots of them.
Thank you Mark. Amazing that you have seen them too! I'm massively fascinated by standing stones...so with luck...I'll get to see more of them in Northumberland and Cumbria. Maybe see the ones you mention in Wales too some time?
Stan Beckinstall...that name seems very familiar...will go and investigate. Thank you very much for that!
Beckinsall. That is. :)
Just for everyone's info...just found a wonderful site:
http://www.themodernantiquarian.com/site/2010/mare_and_foal.html
It is created by Julian Cope - he of The Teardrop Explodes.
Found a lovely entry about an ancient stone slap bang in the middle of Corbridge roman site:
http://www.themodernantiquarian.com/site/6575/corbridge.html
Makes me want to go to Corbridge Roman Site even more! (Haven't been there yet!!!!)........
Post a Comment