| 059
Boundary Stone, Stob Rig, Kirk Yetholm. |
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Description
Located only a few metres from where the footpath of the Pennine
Way crosses the dry stone wall that forms the boundary between
Scotland and England, can be found a large slab-like stone,
built into the west face of the wall. The stone is not visible
on the east side of the wall and its thickness cannot there for
be determined. The stone is possibly a boundary stone.
Directions
From Kirk Yetholm follow narrow minor road up steep hill with
passing places. Immediately after road drops down to valley floor,
turn left into large grassed parking area. On foot, follow sign
posted footpath marked Pennine Way, ascending Green Humbleton. Do
not follow the valley floor route. The stone can be seen to the
left of the gate where the footpath crosses the dry stone wall.
Parking
A large off-road parking area is available but can be busy during
holidays. Take care not top block access from farm vehicles.
Folklore
Sorry but no specific folklore or other traditions have
been found associated with this stone. However, the stone
may be associated with 058 Stob Stanes, which is located
only a few metres to the west and any folklore relating to
that site may be relevant.
Fieldnotes
This stone was so obviously noticeably that it had to be
included here, even although I have been unable to find any
recorded evidence of it being an antiquity. I suppose the stone
might just simply be an stone used in the construction of the
wall but when you think about it, a few questions come to mind.
The stone is obviously out of place and there do not appear to
be similar stones of this size in the immediate area, all the
other stones are much smaller. This may indicate the stone
predates the wall with the wall being build around it. There are
also two standing stones only 200m away to the west. Could this
actually be another, forgotten, standing stone, perhaps
with some connection to the Stob Stanes? At the very least it
does appear to have been purposely erected, perhaps as a
boundary stone or possibly as something more interesting. I
suspect we shall never really know.
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