041
Standing Stone, Horseshoe Wood, Hownam. |
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Description
This solitary standing stone is situated on a
knoll just south of the Hownam - Belford road, about 200m after
Horseshoe Wood. It now leans at an angle of about 55 degrees
from the vertical, but once stood erect as it is packed round
the base with small blocks and it's present upper and lower
surfaces show no difference in weathering. The stone measures
around 0.95m high and 0.85 x 0.38 at base level.
Directions
From the village of Hownam, walk to
the south end of the village and before crossing the bridge,
follow the track heading uphill and to the right. Continue on this
track past Horseshoe Wood, the standing stone can be seen to the
right.
Parking
Ample parking space is available at the village hall, to the
south end of the village. Please do not park in front of the
houses.
Fieldnotes
Two notable points of interest here. One, the position of the
stone only a few metres from an ancient trackway known as The
Street, would have brought the stone and whatever it's purpose,
to the attention of travellers. The second point is a nearby
stone alignment known as The Shearers, a row of 23 stone on the
moorland less than half a mile away. Any connection is purely
speculation.
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