Spare a thought for this stone Mason. In days gone bye he would exercise his craft in the open air, sometimes like here high on the moors. Why? well that was where the stone was located. Apart from the challenges of weather, often very bleak, the mason also had to cope with the vulnerability of the stone. This would be ‘water trough’ which measure about 1.5m by 2m has been left abandoned. The centre is only part removed, the majority has still to be chiselled out., all by hand and hammer of course…. but close inspection reveals a fracture. So nothing for it but to shoulder the loss and no doubt loss of any income. ( It is estimated that this trough dates to late 1700’s early 1800’s )
Even for highly skilled workers monies were hard earned, and often dangerous.
Overall I guess we have easier lifestyles but also still need to…
Please Remember ….
Stay Safe …. Be Kind…. Look After Each Other
13th November
(C) David Oakes 2025
DAVID OAKES - IMAGES. 