The Stone Circle
Four stones I found by the river’s edge, near the site of Nine Stones Close in Derbyshire, surrounding one of Ara’s objects of ritual - a recycled silver pear.
The Stone Circle
Few things evoke the reaction I experience when observing a stone circle.
I think this is owed to a combination of the physical presence and scale of the stones - individually and collectively- alongside the historical intrigue they invite.
In its simplest form, a stone circle is a monument of large standing stones, aligned to form a circle. When considering this purely from an aesthetic perspective, they could be considered art - stone sculptures exposed to the elements in a natural setting; no two stones the same, each irregular in shape and size.
But when pausing to consider their origin, these standing stones appear even larger and more powerful to behold. The vast amount of time each stone has stood its ground means it has been sculpted by thousands of years of weathering. From what we understand, the earliest stone circles here in the UK were erected around 3000 BC, today gifting us a literal connection with life on our planet more than 5000 years ago. To me this is unfathomable. Even more so, is the purpose of their origin.
Despite all of the research and archaeological exploration, we still have insufficient evidence to inform an agreed consensus as to the intended purpose of each stone circle and what they have been witness to through time. Theories include sacrificial or burial sites, a place for celestial observation or to predict the next eclipse, a meeting place, a calendar, a temple for ritual activities - the list goes on. This air of mystery only adds to the physical presence of the stone circle.
The journey to Nine Stones Close
Just off Limestone Way in the Peak District is Nine Stones Close. On the approach to Harthill Moor, we could see the unmistakable structure. Situated in a quiet spot by an oak tree. Otherwise alone in a field, lined with a forest on one side.
Despite the name, only four stones remain standing. Arriving at our destination, we looked upon the tallest of all standing stones in Derbyshire, the tallest stone towering around 2 metres.
These particular stones have also been fondly known as the Grey Ladies - a local tradition tells the story of the stones transforming into dancing women at midnight, something often associated with stone circles.
Walking back to Youlgreave, close by the River Bradford I collected a small handful of stones, reminiscent of each remaining standing stone at Nine Stones Close.
Lauren King
Ara The Altar
If you enjoyed this post, you might like Running From the Garden Hose and On Being Seen
References
Archaeology walks in the peak district, Ali Cooper; isleofalbion.co.uk; stone-cricles.org.uk; Rings of stone: the prehistoric stone circles of Britain and Ireland by Aubrey Burl
All images by Lauren King