Grubstones

Also known as:
Roms Law and Rumbles Law
Nearest town:
Ilkley (4km NW)
OS reference:
SE13644471
OS sheet:
104
Latitude:
53° 53' 53.09 N
Longitude:
1° 47' 32.64 W
Added to TMA by

Images

Image of Grubstones (Stone Circle) by Kozmik_Ken

A recent heather fire has revealed parts of the structure previously hidden.

Image credit: Andy H
Kozmik_Ken
Kozmik_Ken Apr 23, 2004
Image of Grubstones (Stone Circle) by Kozmik_Ken

A recent heather fire has revealed parts of the structure previously hidden.

Image credit: Andy H
Kozmik_Ken
Kozmik_Ken Apr 23, 2004
Image of Grubstones (Stone Circle) by Kozmik_Ken

The Grubstones circa 1987ce. The only notable that has changed is that the gamekeeper now has a new hut!

Image credit: Andy H
Kozmik_Ken
Kozmik_Ken Dec 30, 2003
Image of Grubstones (Stone Circle) by shortithehorn

SE 136447 (Approx 1.5 miles south-east from the Cow and Calf rocks)
A very pleasant, quiet and ambient spot, comprising of a small circle which was once part of a much larger network of circles. 20 stones still survive and are clearly visible. Grubstone is thought to date between 2200-1400 BC

Image credit: Jeff Smith
S
shortithehorn Jan 17, 2003

Articles

Grubstones

Chris Collyer
Chris Collyer Oct 2, 2002

Known as Grubstones circle, it is very unlikely that it is a stone circle in the traditional sense. More likely it is a ring cairn or the kerb of a round cairn, although there are a couple of largish fallen stones in the centre there is very little sign of stone/rubble infill. I estimate the ring is around 20 paces across with about a dozen stones visible, others may well be hidden under a thick growth of heather.
The key to finding the ring is ‘head for the shed’ – a large wooden building that can be seen for quite a distance on the moor. Leaving the Cow and Calf car-park travel in a southwards direction by whatever paths are available, after about half a mile the shed can be seen a further half a mile to the south. Once you get there continue into the heather for a short distance – the photo should give an indication of how far.
The ring may be difficult to spot, and not much to look at when you get there but it is peaceful and sitting in the dip in the centre gives some welcome relief from the ever present wind of the moor.

GPS reading SE1365044727

Folklore

Grubstones
Stone Circle
IronMan
IronMan Oct 11, 2002

“Local folklore attributes Grubstones ‘to have been a Council or Moot Assembly-place’ in ages past (Collyer and Turner 1885). Considerable evidence points to the Freemasons convening here in medieval times and we are certain from historical records that members of the legendary Grand Lodge of All England (said to be ordained in the tenth century by King Athelstan) met here, or at the adjacent Great Skirtful of Stones giant cairn 400 yards east.”
‘Circles, Standing Stones and Legendary Rocks of West Yorkshire’ Paul Bennett

Topics

Grubstones, Ilkely moor 6
M
moggymiaow
Oct 2002

Sites within 20km of Grubstones

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