The Modern Antiquarian. Stone Circles, Ancient Sites, Neolithic Monuments, Ancient Monuments, Prehistoric Sites, Megalithic MysteriesThe Modern Antiquarian

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Knightlow Hill - The Wroth Stone — Images (click to view fullsize)

<b>Knightlow Hill - The Wroth Stone</b>Posted by greenman<b>Knightlow Hill - The Wroth Stone</b>Posted by greenman

Knightlow Hill - The Wroth Stone — Folklore

Easy to find, next to the north side A45 at the top of Knightlow Hill sits the Wroth Stone.

This small yet enigmatic stone sits on a mound which, some say, marks the resting point of some ancient warrior. On the OS map it is called Knightlow Cross and it has the look of a base for wayside cross/marker. However the A45 an old coaching road and the Wroth Stone almost certainly pre-dates this.

Why get all worked up about a time weathered stone at the side of the A45?

The stone marks the site a ceremony which goes back to, at least, the time of the conquest. The Wroth Silver ceremony is performed at sunrise on 11 November each year where representatives of villages of the Knightlow Hundred pay a consideration to the Duke of Buccleach.

Those who do not cough-up (1893 was the last time someone didn't) either face either a fine, or offers a white bull with red nose and ears (very, er, pagan). After the ceremony invited guests go to a local pub for a big breakfast with milk (and rum!).

Feudal lord and master exercising his rights over the peasants - or Bronze age samhain festival - you decide.

An excellent web page on this is at

http://iccoventry.icnetwork.co.uk/0850cityhistory/0100to1250/page.cfm?objectid=11005531&method=full&siteid=50003

There is also a locally produced book called (I think) Stretton on Dunsmore - Village history. Lots of information and photos about the ceremony.

The images above show a close up of the stone and one of the mound (if you look closely!).

Lastly, this monument is on private land - please be very
respectful.

The King Stone (Standing Stone / Menhir) — Fieldnotes

Found out that the railings were put up by The Ministry of Works in 1883 - seems people were taking lumps off the King Stone for good luck. (Ref: Great Stone Circles - Aubrey Burl)

Brinklow (Artificial Mound) — Images

<b>Brinklow</b>Posted by greenman

The King Stone (Standing Stone / Menhir) — Fieldnotes

The King Stone stands guard over the gentle, but beautiful, north-westerly landscape. Nice railings too...

The Rollright Stones (Stone Circle) — Images

<b>The Rollright Stones</b>Posted by greenman<b>The Rollright Stones</b>Posted by greenman<b>The Rollright Stones</b>Posted by greenman

The Rollright Stones (Stone Circle) — Fieldnotes

Took a look over at the Rollrights today. The entrance to the stones from the road is being sorted with a gate and some hard standing which, happily, doesn't detract from the circle itself.

A group of rambler types (nothing wrong with that) were lounging over the stones when I got there but they soon departed leaving me on my own for at least 15 mins.

Site was wonderfully litter free. Took a couple of photos - they're the ones with the rather overcast sky.

Brinklow (Artificial Mound) — Fieldnotes

Had a wander to the top today and found myself on my own - mind you it was raining...

Still, interesting to notice that the local cattle had made it to the top - I managed to stand in the evidence. Shame those that smoke have to leave their s**t up here too. Have some respect!
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