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

Green Gates

Cup and Ring Marks / Rock Art

Fieldnotes

Green Gates is the area around the Badger Stone, from Grainings Head to Cranshaw Thorn Hill along which and ancient trade route was thought to cross the moor. This area has a number of carved rocks, the majority of which appear to be on vertical surfaces. If the theory that carvings on vertical surfaces equal male and horizontal surfaces equal female holds true, maybe this area could have been reserved for male activities? It is not uncommon for tribal societies to have separate areas for each gender, such as areas for menstruating women etc. Hell, even my Dad's Working Man's Club still has a Men's room (although women are allowed in to watch football if they wish!!!!).

The Badger Stone is thought to have been the site of an ancient market, possibly 'Badger Men' (millers or grain men) selling grain at the equinoxes. This is supported by the nearby spring heads named 'Grainings Head'. The nearby 12thC market cross called 'Cowper's Cross' was said to have replaced and older market nearby.

This area is also the spring head for the waters that emerge at Willy Hall's Spout below Willy Hall's Wood Stone and flow down through Ilkley under Brook Street, to join the River Wharfe by the Roman Fort 'Olicana'. The Church built on this spot houses a Roman Altar stone bearing a carving of the Goddess of the Wharfe; Verbia.
Kozmik_Ken Posted by Kozmik_Ken
6th November 2003ce
Edited 7th November 2003ce

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