STANDING STONES

Late January Sun on The Nine Ladies

Stanton Moor, Derbyshire probably has more Earthworks, Burial Cairns, Stone Circles and Standing Stones than anywhere else in the county.  Judging by the number of circles within the area it would appear to have been a mecca for the Bronze Age civilisation.  Of all the Stone Circles it is the one known as ‘The Nine Ladies’ that is the best known and most visited. Whilst I have often heard visitors (who have already visited Stonehenge) express disappointment on its size it does in my view make up for that lack of stature by its mystic and natural ambience in all weathers.  It is still a mecca at each Solstice attracting Druids and others to celebrate the passing of the sun across all our lives.  Traces of other circles can be found across the moor and any number of cairns are marked on the O.S. maps but one other characteristic are the standing stones. Of no particular historic note, these stones are erratics scattered across Derbyshire’s Peak District, many dominate the local surrounds and become important landmarks and through the years have acquired names.  The Cork Stone is the most obvious here on the southern end of Stanton Moor above the village of Birchover. As you can see from the image below it has suffered from those who love their graffiti and iron rings have been added to aid those stupid sorry agile enough to climb to the top.  It is then that the local legend has it that in days gone by local lads would scale the stone then jump off the top declaring their un-dying love for the lass of their desire….if they survived (which is more than likely) then a lifetime of happiness and love would ensue……or so they say!  Give it a try and see if it works.

The Cork Stone, Stanton Moor