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

Clochforbie

Stone Circle

Miscellaneous

King Edward - Aberdeenshire
The Story Of A Parish - Gray Stone Of Clochforbie

"This circle stood at an elevation of 420 feet above sea level, two miles north of the circle at Auchnagorth, and the recumbent alone remains. This type is peculiar to the shires of Aberdeen, Banff and Kincardine. The recumbent stone was flanked by two pillars, and its situation was invariably on the south-west side of the circle. The whole enclosed a central ring cairn, and when examined pottery and cremated burials have been found. An interesting utensil, peculiar to the recumbent stone circle, is the handled stone cup or ladle found in them, confirming the belief that these circles were in use in the Iron Age.

The recumbent stone is situated on the farm of Clochforbie, belonging to Mr. Andrew Smith. It is within a few feet of the road separating Clochforbie from the crofts of the same name. It is clear from the position of the recumbent stone, that the stones comprising the circle were removed to bottom the road under construction at the beginning of the 19th century.

The recumbent stone is a whinstone boulder 12 feet in length, 4 feet 10 inches broad at the middle, and 3 feet 3 inches at its greatest height. It rests on several small stones and makes contact with the ground for only five feet. The is of irregular shape and flat on the top. Its weight is 4 tons and a quarter, but stones of this type have been known to weigh up to 30 tons."

James Godsman 1952.
drewbhoy Posted by drewbhoy
30th May 2009ce

Comments (0)

You must be logged in to add a comment