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But.....

Paulus....

some of us think you're just as guilty in some cases.....

such as this one....

http://www.themodernantiquarian.com/site/5841

As you say yourself "there are no other examples of cup and rings in this part of the country".

Then there's all of those holy wells you've posted.

;o)

HI Baza

As I've said, I've no problems anyone criticising sites I put on TMA. The one you cite as the Salford cup-markings are odd, only inasmuch as there appear to be no other carvings like it in the region. But if they're not cup-marks, what are they? The Salford example exhibits all the characteristics of cup-marked stones in other parts of the British isles, although their depth may implie them to be cresset stones, or perhaps even a bullaun (though I'm no expert on such things). Also consider that cup-markings have been incorporated into cross-bases and other xtian monuments elsewhere in Britain, so that side of the anomaly aint too unusual. What IS unusual in that case is its isolation.

As for all the St. Helen's Wells - they're holy wells, which TMA allows. These are all vouched for in old local history records, place-name directories and the standard texts on the subjects.