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The aim of this book is to try to record and unravel the mystery surrounding the ancient stones in the Royal Forest of Dean. The many outcrops of rock, standing stones and scattered boulders cry out for explanations.
Exploring the Forest over the last 6 years or so I've mostly learned about its recent history – its quarries, mines and railways. There have, however, been occasional echoes of a more distant past, in places such as King Arthur's Cave and the old scowles, and I'm anxious to find out more.
The first ancient stone that I've chosen is one that I must have driven past dozens of times, without knowing of its existence. It isn't marked on OS maps and there is no signboard inviting closer inspection, but there it lies beside the Blackpool Bridge - Upper Soudley road.
It's known as The Drummer Boy Stone, or The Drummer Boy's Gravestone, and has two shallow depressions that appear to be man-made. It probably has nothing to do with drummer boys, dead or alive, though its purpose is unknown. Among the more colourful theories are ones suggesting it once held sacrificial blood or fat for lamps. But why anyone should wish to offer sacrifices or light lamps in the middle of nowhere is a mystery.
A possible clue to its use is that one of the depressions is lined with iron, so perhaps it was once used by an ancient blacksmith. The problem with that theory, though, is that there is no other evidence of iron-working in the area. Thus the mystery lives on!
To give some idea of its size, here's Yours Truly on the bridge over the tiny stream that runs close to the ancient stone, which is about 5ft long and 3ft wide.
Lest you think that I only find beauty in ancient stones and decaying railway tracks, here are a couple of views from the hillside above the stream. The bluebells seem not as vivid as they were last year, though perhaps they still have some growing to do. The woodland, however, is as enchanting as ever.
The first ancient stone that I've chosen is one that I must have driven past dozens of times, without knowing of its existence. It isn't marked on OS maps and there is no signboard inviting closer inspection, but there it lies beside the Blackpool Bridge - Upper Soudley road.
A possible clue to its use is that one of the depressions is lined with iron, so perhaps it was once used by an ancient blacksmith. The problem with that theory, though, is that there is no other evidence of iron-working in the area. Thus the mystery lives on!
To give some idea of its size, here's Yours Truly on the bridge over the tiny stream that runs close to the ancient stone, which is about 5ft long and 3ft wide.
Lest you think that I only find beauty in ancient stones and decaying railway tracks, here are a couple of views from the hillside above the stream. The bluebells seem not as vivid as they were last year, though perhaps they still have some growing to do. The woodland, however, is as enchanting as ever.
That book must be fascinating! I love old stones.
ReplyDeleteLucy