Druids Folly | Forum — The Modern Antiquarian

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moss May 14, 2010 16:10:30

Replying to faerygirl

faerygirl wrote:

The Druids Folly in York

http://www.megalithic.co.uk/modules.php?op=modload&name=a312&file=index&do=showpic&pid=4138

Is not labled on TMA. I'm guessing because its a newer addition. However, If you look on the Freemasons Pages, there is an understanding that its builder, William Danby was part of the organisation and the Folly was built for use (in a Druidy kind of way I guess) or as homage to other stone temples.

So, I guess my question is "Does the fact thats its only 200 years old make it a folly?" We give quite a wide age range for stone circles and monoliths around the world, some suggestions of around a 2000year gap between the really old ones and the not-so-old-but-still-pretty-old ones. Does that mean that when Stonehenge was built, the builders of Castlerigg or Sunkenkirk considered it nothing but a joke?

x

It would definitely go under 'disputed antiquity' on this site! and it is a folly in true 'druidic' 18th century style - very pretty as well. There was a fashion for such things druidic/masonic. Stukeley made a circle in his garden as well by using hedging material, and I think a little roman temple, he buried a 'stillborn' baby in front of the altar, which I find a bit weird, or maybe in the centre of the circle......

B

brownieathome May 14, 2010 17:20:08

Replying to faerygirl

I know due to its age it shouldn't be included here however can I just say that it is a beautiful place and there really is a certain "feel" to it.
Best visited very early morning however be prepared to trip over
the odd overnight camper.

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brownieathome May 14, 2010 17:21:36

Replying to faerygirl

ooh , sorry Faerygirl , just need to add that it is actually near
Ripon , not York (close though I guess.)

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Branwen May 15, 2010 03:40:28

Replying to faerygirl

If you included this one would you then include all the follies by druids?

T

thesweetcheat May 16, 2010 20:52:15

Replying to faerygirl

faerygirl wrote:

Does that mean that when Stonehenge was built, the builders of Castlerigg or Sunkenkirk considered it nothing but a joke?

x

You have a great way of questioning things! :-)

Perhaps they viewed it in the way that owners of Georgian town-houses view red brick Barratt homes? Not a joke, more a vulgar new addition?

By the way, I don't think it will even make "disputed antiquity", as it's not in dispute that it's modern.

T

tiompan May 16, 2010 21:30:43

Replying to faerygirl

faerygirl wrote:

Does that mean that when Stonehenge was built, the builders of Castlerigg or Sunkenkirk considered it nothing but a joke?

x

The difference in dates between Castlerigg and the first stone circle at Stonehenge (only a guess as we don't really know ) would be less than the time difference between two easily recognised monuments with the most recent not being considered a joke i.e. an early christian church and a modern one .The durability of the stone circle tradition lasted for well over a millenium .

M

Moth May 17, 2010 23:44:14

Replying to faerygirl

It's not prehistoric & doesn't claim to be, so it wouldn't be here.

There was once a bit of a discussion about whether modern circles etc should be included - if only to 'warn' people that they're modern, but I think the Eds said no.

Being to do with druids (for want of a better expression) would have no bearing on it being on TMA, what with the 'real' stone circles being older than druids anyway.... ;^)

love

Moth

L

Littlestone May 18, 2010 08:02:51

Replying to faerygirl

Moss is too modest, but there's also an excellent photo by her of The Circus (in Bath) here - http://heritageaction.wordpress.com/2009/10/18/bath-and-its-druidical-fancy/

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faerygirl Jul 4, 2010 21:59:09

Replying to faerygirl

WELL I went today and its bloody brilliant!!! I loved it there. There wasn't a soul there and the sun was shining! Buttercups in full bloom the place felt really wonderful. Loved it and I couldn't give a monkeys how old it is, it had the perfect feel of an ancient monument.

So there

;)