Whiteleaf Cross

Whiteleaf Cross. A hill carving is set in the Chiltern Hills of Buckinghamshire and there are many varied tales as to how it became so.
The earliest reference to it is from a charter dated 903ad stating it as a boundary marker of a phallic nature, yet as a cross it is first shown noted in the parish records in 1742, but also supposedly depicted in a 14th century tile at nearby St.Dunstans Church. During the 1400s Monks came to the region and one theory states that it was they who carved the Cross piece adapting the previous Pagan marker to suit their needs to help convert the people of that region as it was the last remaining region of the native English Celt.
The area prior to their arrival was known locally as Waylands Stock, and most likely first named so by the Saxons on finding the Neolithic hill carving, Wayland being the ancient Deity of Smith workers, and stock referring in those days to a phallus.
At the top of the Hill there is one of the only Neolithic round barrows in southern England plus two bowl barrows, and to add further evidence that this hill was sacred to our ancient ancestors it was a Beacon Hill and is also on a most ancient track way known as the Icknield Way.
Farming records show that crops grown below the hill and on that side of the Icknield way fetched a better price at market. The Earl of Buckingham added the triangular base in the 1900s and perhaps so to enable more Victorian folk to slide down on their faggots as for a time this was a rather popular thing to do.
A campaign is now underway calling for a revival interpretation to return the carving back to its former Phallus self.
Please feel free to paste and send the pre written email to [email protected]
or visit myspace.com/waylandstock

Dear Bucks County Council, please accept this email as a positive vote towards the reworking of Whiteleaf Cross restoring it back to its intended form in honour of our ancestors that held this region most sacred and fertile indeed.
The carving in its present form was carried out to sever us from our ancient heritage and beliefs.
The hill carving was known locally as Waylands Stock and is stated so in a charter from 903ad that also makes reference to a boundry marker of a phallic nature. The Monks of Monks Risborough it is thought obliterated its former glory in the 1400s by re carving it in to a cross.
It would be most fitting then for us now to rename the carving back to Waylands Stock,
and return it to its intended form as a massive Phallus standing most boldly erect upon the hillside.

The Time Line Notice Board.
Informing Bucks CC with the following email may just help bring about a re-think of their three-year decision. [email protected]

Dear Bucks CC. The Unsightly Time Line Urban Structure With Benches is to remain at the top of the hill for three years we are told. I am not disputing that folk may like a place to sit but I firmly believe that the Time Line with benches at present is most out of keeping with an area of outstanding natural beauty. These sorts of urban structures tend to attract graffiti and vandalism that further degenerates the tone of an area plus then costs the council tax payer in it’s up keep and care. Also I greatly fear that it raises people’s ideals and next we may find a baby and toddler changing area, café and virtual reality nature experience complex. More seriously though what I am trying to say is that once an urban structure such as this one is established in an area it really can pave the way for all sorts of other urban clutter. I do think however that having a place to sit could be better resolved by tree stumps or carved out tree trunks if folk really do feel that a place to sit is really necessary.

buckscc.gov.uk/countryside/whiteleaf/events.htm

Sunday 15th September
10:30 – 4:00pm
The event is completely FREE!

The event is focused around the open grassland area above Whiteleaf Cross where walks and talks are lead from and displays and activities are held.

[Spacer]
Whiteleaf and Brush Hill Local Nature Reserve Open Days
Sunday 15th September
10:30 – 4:00pm
The event is completely FREE!

The event is focused around the open grassland area above Whiteleaf Cross where walks and talks are lead from and displays and activities are held.

[A Butterfly]

[Archaeologist surveying the site]

[Earth mound]
photo courtesy of Nick Bowles

Please leave your car at home. Leaflets describing scenic walks from Princes Risborough, Whiteleaf and Monks Risborough are available from the Risborough Information office in Horns Lane. Disabled visitors will of course have access to the car park at Whiteleaf Hill.

Guided walks to the sites, from Princes Risborough, will take place at key times during the day (actual times will be published soon)

The open day is run in association with WDC, Risborough Countryside Group, Oxford Archaeology, Heritage Lottery Fund and the Shadow Chilterns Conservation Board, Special Projects Fund.

The event will include-

* Archaeological excavations in action!
* Demonstrations of Geophysics and how it can be used.
* Guided talks by archaeologists about Whiteleaf Hill.
* Live demonstration of wattle hurdle making.
* Archaeological education activity for children
* Guided walks on the conservation and wildlife interest of both sites, and the Black Hedge Project.
* Information on site management works underway.
* Displays on Risborough Countryside Groups activities.
* Information on the Red Kites and Chalk Streams Projects
* Local memories, the site managers would like to talk to local people about their memories of the site and local photos.

buckscc.gov.uk/news/200105/Whiteleaf_Hill.pdf

HERITAGE LOTTERY BID FOR WHITELEAF HILL NATURE RESERVE
RESTORATION PROJECT

Buckinghamshire County Council has recently submitted a Heritage Lottery Bid application to support its restoration project of the Whiteleaf Hill Nature Reserve, a site of unique national importance.

The total of the cost of the three year project is estimated to run into six figures. Onyx Environmental Trust have already pledged £75,000 for the restoration of the Whiteleaf Cross with major financial support coming from Buckinghamshire County Council and the Landfill Tax. However, the Heritage Lottery Bid is crucial to the success of the project in providing funding for a number of important historical projects on the site. The outcome of the Lottery bid is expected in the autumn.

The Project is based on a strong local partnership between the owners and managers of the site, Buckinghamshire County Council, and the Risborough Countryside Group, Princes Risborough Town Council, and other interested parties and statutory agencies. The Project also has the support of English Nature, The Countryside Agency and the Chilterns AONB as well as Lord Carrington, Sir William McAlpine, Sir Nigel Mobbs and Sir Timothy Raison.

HERITAGE LOTTERY BID FOR WHITELEAF HILL NATURE RESERVE
RESTORATION PROJECT: 2

The main objects of the project are to conserve Whiteleaf Cross as a stable and prominent hill figure, improve public access and recreational facilities, including the Ridgeway National Trail and site carpark/picnic area and to foster a sense of local identity at Whiteleaf and its association with local settlements and the market town Princes Risborough. The project also aims to develop educational opportunities and a greater awareness of the site among younger people.

On a historical basis, the project plans to survey, map and interpret archaeological/ historical features above or below ground, carry out limited research excavations of the Neolithic Barrow and WW1 trenches and interpret the site and its key features through leaflets, panels and a locally produced book. Improving the chalk grassland habitats and carrying out species conservation works will also plan an important part of the project. Mike Woods, Countryside Manager, said: “This Local Nature Reserve is an important site which offers a unique natural environment and historic past. It is essential that we preserve this important site for future generations to enjoy. Our Heritage Lottery bid is a key element in securing its future.”

HERITAGE LOTTERY BID FOR WHITELEAF HILL NATURE RESERVE
RESTORATION PROJECT: 3

Community interest and support for the project is reflected by the Risborough Countryside Group who enjoy a membership of over 200 local people and provide the link with other local organisations, groups, clubs and schools.

Design and technical advice for the project has kindly been donated by Sir Robert McAlpine Ltd.