Foulstone and Strines Moor Archaeological Survey,
South Yorkshire, February 2019
Tim Cockrell
Sheffield Lakeland Landscape Partnership
Contents
Contents ......................................................................................................................................1
Illustrations .................................................................................................................................2
Tables .......................................................................................................................................... 5
1. Summary ....................................................................................................................... 7
2. Location, Geology, Topography and Current Use ............................................................ 7
3. Historical and Archaeological Background ...................................................................... 9
4. Aims and Objectives .................................................................................................... 11
5. Methodology ............................................................................................................... 11
6. Fieldwork .................................................................................................................... 12
7. Discussion.................................................................................................................... 45
8. Conclusion ................................................................................................................... 47
Acknowledgements ......................................................................................................... 47
References ...................................................................................................................... 48
Appendix 1: Database...................................................................................................... 50
Appendix 2: Additional Photographs ................................................................................ 53
1
Illustrations
Figure 1: Location of Foulstone and Strines Moors (red). © OpenStreetMap contributors...................... 8
Figure 2: : Feature 35, in area D facing south-east across Running Moss to the deeply incised Strines
Dike and north-west facing escarpment of Strines Moor. Source: author. ............................................... 8
Figure 3: : The "take off" stone on Mortimer Road (NGR 422284, 390701). Source: author .................. 10
Figure 4: : The study area and its survey area divisions. © OpenStreetMap contributors...................... 12
Figure 5: : Outcropping and boulders visible on the south west facing slope of the east end of
Foulstone Moor. Source: author .............................................................................................................. 14
Figure 6: Distribution of orthostats and cairns in relation to outcropping. © Crown
Copyright/database right 2016 An Ordnance Survey/EDINA supplied service ........................................ 15
Figure 7: An orthostat on Strines moor, overlooking the largely featureless expanse in the vicinity of
where springs rise at Broad Carr, feeding into the former Dale Dike (Strines reservoir). Source:
author....................................................................................................................................................... 16
Figure 8: The side and end elevations of feature 29, showing the cairn-like appearance of its setting
and some packing stones visible on its east side. .................................................................................... 16
Figure 9: The plan view of feature 61, demonstrating its sub-rectangular shape. Source: author. ........ 16
Figure 10: Distribution of orthostats with stone holes and packing. © Crown Copyright/database
right 2016 An Ordnance Survey/EDINA supplied service......................................................................... 18
Figure 11: An artificially placed orthostat of recent historical date - a boundary marker between
South Yorkshire and Derbyshire at the bottom of the west facing slope of Strines ridge. Source:
author....................................................................................................................................................... 19
Figure 12: Feature 65, the largest orthostat, partly collapsed to its west side but propped up by a
prominent packing stone. Numerous others are visible within an eroded pit. Source: author .............. 20
Figure 13: One of a number of orthostats marking the boundary between Derbyshire and the Parish
of Bradfield, in South Yorkshire. This unusually worn and small example (which includes Figure 11
above) might well predate the others, and is plausibly of medieval or early post medieval date. The
inscription, though eroded, is probably later. Source: author................................................................. 21
Figure 14: An orthostat in the "Plaza" at the Late Neolithic ceremonial complex at the Ness of Brodgar,
Orkney.
Source:
author.
Courtesy
of
Nick
Card .......................................................................................................................................................... 22
Figure 15: An orthostat from the ring circling the central cairn at the Bronze Age cemetary at
Balnuaran of Clava, Inverness. This diminutive example illustrates well how small such orthostats can
be. Source: author.................................................................................................................................... 22
2
Figure 16: A cairn at the base of the west facing slope of Strines ridge. Source: author........................24
Figure 17: The landscape context for feature 40, the cairn between Running Moss and Rising Clough.
© Crown Copyright/database right 2016 An Ordnance Survey/EDINA supplied service........................24
Figure 18: One of the densely overgrown cairns in the cairnfield on Foulstone Moor. Source: author..25
Figure 19: A largely buried cairn showing well worn rounded cobbles on Strines Moor. Source:
author................................................................................................................................................... ...26
Figure 20: Features 58 (foreground) and 59 (left, centre) on Strines Moor, part of one of the small
clusters
of
cairns
and
orthostats
in
the
study
area.
Source:
author.............................................................................................................................................. .......26
Figure 21: A small kerbed cairn at Foulstones Moor. Source: author.....................................................27
Figure 22: : A possible ring cairn on the ridge overlooking Strines Moor. Source: author......................28
Figure 23: A boulder of Gritstone, disturbed only by numerous weather worn striations (some are
visible at the north end of rock here). Source: author............................................................................29
Figure 24: Detail of Figure 23. Source: author.........................................................................................29
Figure 25: Grooves at the north end of the large earthfast boulder, showing two cutting a shallow
"dished" depression. Source: author.......................................................................................................30
Figure 26: Foreground: the larger of the two grove marked boulders showing some of the grooves
above the 0.5m scale and the large and highly distinctive natural cupules. Background: the smaller of
the grove marked boulders. Source: author............................................................................................31
Figure 27: The cup marked and grooved boulders adjacent to the stank pits on Whitwell Moor. The cup
marks are small and poorly defined, but with precedents from elsewhere on the southern Pennines
(see below). Source: author.....................................................................................................................32
Figure 28: The “cup marked” earth-fast boulder at the east end of Foulstone ridge. Source:
author...................................................................................................................................................... .33
Figure 29: The longer of the two linear embankments. Source: author..................................................34
Figure 30: Features at Running Moss. © Crown Copyright/database right 2016 An Ordnance
Survey/EDINA supplied service................................................................................................................35
Figure 31: Holloways in relation to orthostats and cairns. © Crown Copyright/database right 2016 An
Ordnance Survey/EDINA supplied service...............................................................................................36
Figure 32: Feature 15, facing east with Holloway 1 visible in the background. Source: author..............37
Figure 33: The small plateau-like platform above holloway 2, facing north. Source: author..................37
3
Figure 34: Features of probable post medieval and recent historical date. © Crown
Copyright/database right 2016 An Ordnance Survey/EDINA supplied service..............................38
Figure 35: County boundary marker with guide stoop-like appearance. Source: author..............39
Figure 36: Possible medieval or early post medieval way marker on Strines Edge.
Source: author................................................................................................................................39
Figure 37 : The first pair of putative estate boundary markers to be recorded in area A, Foulstone
Moor. Source: author.....................................................................................................................41
Figure 38: Possible gate post next to fields adjacent to Strines public House. Source: author......42
Figure 39: Probable roughly prepared gateposts of recent historical date. Source:
author.............................................................................................................................................43
Figure 40 : Brogging Moss Grotto, facing south. Source: author...................................................44
Figure 41: The fireplace inside Brogging Moss Grotto, facing west. Source: author.....................45
Figure 42: Foreground to background: Brogging Moss Grotto, Brogging Moss, Foulstone Moor Ridge,
Strines Moor Ridge, Boot's Folly, Ughill Moors. Source: author....................................................53
Figure 43: Blackhole Moor, in the Moscar Estate, facing south-west from Brogging Moss. Source:
author.......................................................................................................................................... ...53
Figure 44: Recording feature 13 on Foulstone Moor. Source: author............................................54
Figure 45: The end elevation of feature 10 on Foulstone Moor. Source: author...........................54
Figure 46: Feature 16 on Foulstone Moor, facing south-east towards Strines Moor Ridge. Source:
author.......................................................................................................................................... ...55
Figure 47: Strines Dike in area G facing west, with Strines Moor Ridge (left). Source:
autho..............................................................................................................................................55
Figure 48: The graffito in area D and a natural solution hollow, facing south across Running Moss to
Strines Dike and Strines Moor Ridge. Source: author. .................................................................... 56
Figure 49: A grouse butt and rigg and furrow visible in a field on the south side of Strines Inn. Source:
author......................................................................................................................................... .....56
Figure 50: Feature 47 on Strines Moor, area H. Boot's folly is in the background. Source: author.57
Figure 51: Feature 65, the largest of the mapped orthostats, in area I on the lower slopes of Strines
Edge. Source: author................................................................................................................... ....58
Figure 52: A cairn on Strines Moor. Source: author......................................................................... 58
Figure 53: Overhead shot of an orthostat on Strines Moor. ........................................................... 59
4
Figure 54: Foulstone road with the north-west facing slope of Foulstone Moor behind. Left of centre:
the quarry (trees) and Foulstone Delf (Cottage). right: the major outcropping towards the east end
of the ridge. Source: author .......................................................................................................... 59
5
Tables
Table 1: Dimensions of the orthostats in metres, presented as an average, with standard deviation
indicating variance ............................................................................................................................ 17
6
1. Summary
The following report presents the results of the first phase of archaeological surveying on
the Gritstone uplands on the west and north side of Sheffield to be undertaken under the
auspices of Sheffield Lakeland Landscape Partnership. The surveys are one of a number of
elements that form the "Hidden History" component of the Heritage Lottery Funded project
led by Sheffield and Rotherham Wildlife Trusts.
The survey found evidence for the small scale activities of a modest sized population that
probably relate from the Late Neolithic to the Late Bronze Age (c.2200BC-700BC). This was
represented by small groups of cairns that might have been for field clearance, funerary
activity or both, alongside numerous small standing stones of possible esoteric function. The
very ephemeral features that comprise the evidence probably survives due to lack of
subsequent intensive use of the locale. Evidence for later interaction with this landscape is
not evident before the post medieval use of the moors for grouse shooting.
2. Location, geology, topography and current use
Foulstone and Strines Moors (SK 215 913) are situated to the eastern edge of the Millstone
Grit group of carboniferous sedimentary rocks, approximately 15 kilometres from the centre
of Sheffield (Figure 1). The moors occupy different geological zones, influencing their
distinct and prominent character. Foulstone Moor, to the west, consists of Millstone Grit
formations whereas Strines Moor is of Sandstone formations (BGS 2019). Between them is a
narrow band of Siltstones and Mudstones which have been deeply eroded by the north
eastward flow of Strines Dike and the south eastern flow of Rising Dike. Both of these
streams rise together at Running Moss. Consequently, Strines Moor sweeps in an
amphitheatral curve facing east in a gradual slope where springs rise, feeding into the
former course of Dale Dike in Bradfield Dale. At the apex of the moor, where Strines Dike
and Rising Dike have eroded away the siltstones, the west facing ridge falls in a dramatic
escarpment (Figure 2). Foulstone Moor rises north west of the deeply incised course of
Strines Dike in a gradual slope ending in a ridge which overlooks Strines Moor. It is also
bounded by the course of Strines Dike on its east side, and by Running Moss Dike on its west
side. Beyond the apex of its ridge, the moor falls to where Foulstone Dike cuts a channel
only slightly less deeply incised than Strines Dike. To the north and west of the moor
numerous springs rise in areas overlain deeply by peat at Brogging Moss and Blackhole
Moor. The aspect of Foulstone and Strines Moors is thus distinctly east facing, being
overlooked to their immediate west by the line of Derwent edge rising up above Blackhole
Moor and Brogging Moss.
7
Figure 1: Location of Foulstone and Strines Moors (red). © OpenStreetMap contributors.
Figure 2: Feature 35, in area D facing south-east across Running Moss to the deeply incised Strines Dike and
north-west facing escarpment of Strines Moor. Source: author.
8
The entirety of the study area is designated by Natural England as a priority habitat of
principle importance, primarily consisting of upland heathland (MAGIC 2019). Upland
wetlands are also in evidence to a lesser extent in discrete patches, for the most part on the
western side of the study area at Brogging Moss, Blackhole and Running Moss (MAGIC
2019). The moors are designated as areas of Special Scientific Interest and species present
that are designated as priority species for habitat issues include Curlew, Lapwing and Snipe
(MAGIC 2019). The moors are managed for grouse shooting, meaning that though covered
in heather, burning is routinely undertaken in carefully measured parcels in order to
encourage fresh shoots of the plant for consumption by the birds. A by-product of this is the
colonisation of burned off areas by cowberry and bilberry while re-growth of the heather
takes place. The presence of these forms of vegetation have been common on the moors
since at least the 18th century (Hunter 1819: 459). In the tiny floodplains of the dikes and
their incised courses, significant growth of bracken is often present.
3. Historical and archaeological background
Flint scatters have been recorded at the headwaters of Pears House Clough, where springs
rise adjacent to Mortimer Road at the bottom of the east facing slope of Strines Moor (SMR
031301/02; Museums Sheffield accession numbers MS1986.542; MS1977.635). These are
stray finds of the Late Mesolithic, other examples of which have been recorded close by at
Rising Clough (SMR 031301/01). A Late Mesolithic microlith was also recorded near the
walled boundary of fields adjacent to Strines Public house (Museums Sheffield accession
number MS1986.492). More recent Mesolithic stray finds include a probable knife
recovered by Mr. Andrew Tissington from the narrow ridge between where Rising Clough
and Strines Dike rise below the west facing escarpment of Strines ridge (NGR 421109,
389478), and a notched blade recovered from the opposite end of Strines ridge close to the
walled boundary of fields adjacent to Strines Inn (NGR 421990, 390472).
Strines Inn is a grade II listed building dating to the 17th century. Adjacent to the inn is
another listed monument - the "Take Off" stone on Mortimer Road, where the road drops
precipitously into the little gorge cut by Strines Dike. Take off stones marked where horses
that were temporarily harnessed to wagons to assist in pulling heavy loads up roads with
acute gradients. At the location of the stone, they unhitched the extra horses and the
wagons carried on with their journeys. Mortimer road itself is a former turnpike. It is likely
that it traversed this particularly difficult route, rather than an easier way, because it
followed the line of a former packhorse route (Goddard 2019: xxiii).
9
Figure 3: The "take off" stone on Mortimer Road (NGR 422284, 390701). Source: author.
This route passes through part of the southern pennine moorland landscape which for most
of its history since the Iron Age has had remarkably little disturbance. This is partly due to
the fact that so much of the uplands formed estates given their character by the fashion for
hunting deer in the middle ages (Hey 2002: 95). This landscape was also utilised for the
grazing of cattle and sheep when not in use for the chace (Hey 2002: 98). In the 16th
century that part of the moors between Hallamshire and the Derwent Valley in Derbyshire
was used by communities from both sides of the watershed, often in competition and
dispute (Bevan 2004: 114). Sheep were the main livestock grazed on the moors (Hunter
1819: 459; Holland 1837: 21). However, by the middle of the 18th century increasing areas
of moorland were being managed for grouse shooting. This was a pastime amongst the
landed gentry that became increasing popular, as well as profitable for landowners with
improvements in transport infrastructure and firearms technology (Bevan 2004: 126).
Archaeological investigations within the study area itself are notable by their absence. A
watching brief of seismic survey work was undertaken along Foulstone Road, the west end
of Foulstone Moor, and Brogging Moss in 1988 (Merrony 1989). This included small
excavations by controlled explosion, but did not reveal new archaeological information.
Two surveys and a watching brief have been undertaken very close to the study area. A
rapid walkover survey of neighbouring Hoyle farm, including fields to the east side of
Mortimer Road, did not reveal obvious signs of prehistoric activity, but much relating to the
10
medieval and post-medieval periods (Taylor 1999). A walkover survey of the moorland
landscape to either side of the public footpath along Derwent Edge did furnish information
indicative of possible Bronze Age settlement to the west of Highshaw Clough on Derwent
Moors (Garton 2014). This consisted of several small cairnfields, linear clearance and
lynchets, as well as possible house platforms (Garton 2014: 90). It also included a "small
upright stone" that might be natural, but was deemed to be potentially archaeological in
nature, with no obvious way to determine its date.
Subsequent to the walkover survey along Derwent Edge, a watching brief was undertaken of
the works to upgrade the public footpath (Garton 2015). It was during this that three cup
marked earthfast boulders were recorded at different locations along the path (Guilbert
2015).
4. Aims and Objectives
The present survey is the first of several across the uplands on the western side of Sheffield,
designed to contribute to "Hidden History" a series of archaeological projects that form part
of the Heritage Lottery funded "Sheffield Lakeland Landscape Partnership". The broad aim
of the partnership is to conserve and celebrate the natural, built and cultural heritage of
north-west Sheffield. The moorland surveys focus on the possible prehistoric archaeology of
the moors. Much work concerning the prehistory of the southern Pennines has been
undertaken over many years (Ainsworth 2001; Barnatt et al 1994; Bevan 2004; Ashmore et
al 2010; Barnatt et al 2017), but only a negligible amount on the South Yorkshire side of the
watershed (Radley 1964; 1965; Cockrell 2017). The present work will begin to fill that
lacuna, contributing to a more meaningful understanding of the moorland landscape as a
whole.
The main objective of the present survey was to map the locations of any features of
potential prehistoric provenance and to record their main attributes. A secondary aim was
to map other probable archaeological features when encountered.
5. Methodology
The study area was designed to investigate areas of moorland defined by the extent of
ridges, their slopes, and the valleys between them. The watersheds and sources of streams
were included for control, without expectation that such elevated and wet areas would yield
significant amounts of data. The study area was then sub-divided into discreet survey areas
(Figure 4) that were investigated separately for the purposes of administering and
organising the information, and in order to minimise potential confusion over how much
and which parts had been covered on each visit. The survey areas were designed with the
topography in mind, hence their variable size and shape. Again, this was done to easier
facilitate the administration of work and minimise error. Each area was walked across in
11
approximately ten metre wide transects by team members in a line. All potential
archaeological features were to be recorded regardless of possible date or function.
Potential prehistoric features were recorded in the most detail, on pro forma recording
sheets and assigned a unique number to be entered into the feature register. All features
were photographed and their locations recorded using a Garmin etrex 10 hand held gps
device, with waypoint averaging enabled to minimise error.
Permission had been granted for surveying to be undertaken on the land owned by the
Fitzwilliam (Wentworth) estate. When it was realised that part of the study area fell within
the Moscar estate (areas E, F and the majority of area C) these areas were avoided. It was
felt that since these areas (and area J) had only been included for control, that it would not
be likely to create significant bias in the landscape sample.
Figure 4: The study area and its survey area divisions. © OpenStreetMap contributors.
6. Fieldwork
Fieldwork was undertaken over eleven days between the 8th of February and the 1st of
March 2019. The whole of March had also been included within the plan, with the
assumption in mind that winter weather would make progress slow and at times impossible.
12
The first two days were inauspicious, coinciding with storm "Eric" , resulting in slow
progress. However, the weather in the rest of February was unseasonably warm and dry.
Visibility was excellent. Volunteer participation was high. For these reasons fieldwork was
able to be completed by the beginning of March. As expected, those parts of the study area
where springs rise on the east facing slopes below Derwent Edge and which fell within the
Fitzwilliam (Wentworth) estate did not yield any potential prehistoric features. The only
other feature to be recorded was Brogging Moss Grotto in area J.
All other survey areas produced features that are of probable prehistoric provenance as well
as a limited number of post medieval features. These are described below by feature class.
Standing Stones
The single largest body of data consists of small standing stones, at fifty one features. These
will be referred to as orthostats hereafter. In terms of understanding their date and function
they are also by far the most problematic features to discuss. Some archaeologists have cast
doubt on whether these kinds of features are archaeological at all, suggesting instead that
they might be boulders or outcroppings of the local geological substrate (C. Merrony,
pers.comm.). The suggestion is a plausible one, since loose boulders and outcroppings of the
millstone grit formation are to be found in abundance across the moors, and Foulstone and
Strines Moors are no exception (Figure 5).
13
Figure 5: Outcropping and boulders visible on the south west facing slope of the east end of Foulstone Moor.
Source: author.
However, the densest areas of outcropping are along the tops of the ridges at Foulstone and
Strines moors. These are areas that have no orthostats in evidence (Figure 6). Elsewhere,
although near areas where some outcropping, and more boulders, are in evidence, the
relationship is not clear or not in evidence at all. In many places, orthostats stand out
prominently precisely because of this (Cover photo; Figure 2; Figure 7; Figure 50).
14
Figure 6 : Distribution of orthostats and cairns in relation to outcropping. © Crown Copyright/database right
2016 An Ordnance Survey/EDINA supplied service.
As noted earlier, quarrying is in evidence in a number of places across the moors but in
particular at the north-east end of Foulstone ridge, in the vicinity of a cluster of orthostats,
and along the south eastern spur of Strines ridge. less conspicuous and more opportunistic
attempts at quarrying are in evidence at various places adjacent to Mortimer Road
(alongside the modern drain marked in Figure 6 ), also near to some of the orthostats.
Another plausible suggestion, therefore, is that some or all of the orthostats are the detritus
left over from quarrying activities. However, almost all of them show signs of very long term
exposure to erosion that is not consistent with the sharply defined angularity of stone
quarried in recent centuries, or recently exposed. None have tool marks. In 35% of cases,
deep erosion gullies are distinctly visible to the top edges, indicative of very long exposure
whilst in a vertical position.
Since the orthostats are not quarried, dressed or modified in anyway, their morphology and
dimensions might also be expected to vary considerably if they are a function of natural
formation processes. Erratics, or loose boulders of local geology should not be expected to
appear erect or "top heavy", in apparent defiance of gravity as they do in Figure 7. This
15
anecdotal observation appeared to be the norm in the survey area, with few exceptions (see
below).
Figure 7: An orthostat on Strines moor, overlooking the largely featureless expanse in the vicinity of where
springs rise at Broad Carr, feeding into the former Dale Dike (Strines reservoir). Source: author.
Observed in profile, the orthostats have a crudely sub-rectangular or sub-triangular
appearance when fully erect (Figure 8). The morphology of the objects in plan view is more
straightforward to characterise though, since some orthostats incline to a greater or lesser
degree and can be masked to a varying extent by beds of moss or other vegetation,
sometimes rendering the profile difficult to record or see. For this reason the plan view was
that entered into the record sheets when describing morphology. In 98% of cases, this was
distinctly sub-rectangular in form (Figure 9).
16
Figure 8: The side and end elevations of feature 29, showing the cairn-like appearance of its setting and some
packing stones visible on its east side.
Figure 9: The plan view of feature 61, demonstrating its sub-rectangular shape. Source: author.
The orthostats were measured in terms of their known maximum height above ground
level, their width (the long axis) and thickness (short axis). Anecdotally, there was
considerable variance between the smallest and the largest orthostats. However, there
appeared to be a considerable level of consistency overall, particularly with the thickness of
the orthostats. The relatively modest amounts by which there was variance amongst
unmodified natural stone slabs was confirmed by statistical analysis undertaken in Microsoft
Excel, summarised in table 1.
17
Average
Height
0.721569
Width
1.03098
Thickness
0.326275
Standard deviation
0.233233
0.399175
0.131224
Table 1: Dimensions of the orthostats in metres, presented as an average, with standard deviation
indicating variance.
Height has the potential to be problematic, since it is not known how deep the stones
continue sub surface. With that in mind, it is telling that the deviation from the average is
only slightly more than 23cm. Moreover, the deviations in the other dimensions are
similarly narrow if it is assumed that the features occur naturally. When taken together with
the 98% occurrence of a sub rectangular shape in plan, these statistics would be a
remarkable coincidence if due to natural formation processes.
The fact that so many of the orthostats had a sub-rectangular morphology in plan means
that orientation is potentially an important consideration. If natural, they could be expected
to have a random proportion of orientations, randomly distributed geographically. This is
not the case. Of the fifty one orthostats, 53% had a distinctly North-South orientation and
23% were equally distinctly orientated East-West. For 76% of the orthostats to be confined
to two very distinct orientations would be remarkable if coincidental.
In determining whether or not the orthostats are archaeological features or natural
phenomena their immediate context also needs to be considered. If artificially placed, they
could be expected for the most part to be sited in holes and packed around the sides with
cobbles and small stones. Figure 11 shows this in convincing detail, with the example of an
orthostat of recent historic date that could not be confused with a natural feature. With
examples that are potentially more than 3000 years old, we might expect various site
formation processes, such as peat formation, colluvial action, root action and the accretion
of generations of decayed vegetation to mask such clues. However, in 19% of cases
probable or definite packing stones were visible, in 12% of cases probable pits were in
evidence and in 17% of cases both were visible. That is a total of 45% of features with clear
evidence of being set within excavated pits and packed with stones to hold them in place,
distributed relatively evenly across the study area where orthostats are in evidence (Figure
10; Figure 12).
18
Figure 10 : Distribution of orthostats with stone holes and packing. © Crown Copyright/database right 2016 An
Ordnance Survey/EDINA supplied service.
To summarise the foregoing, the orthostats are relatively homogenous and predictable in
dimensions, morphology, orientation and in how they are (or were probably) fixed upright.
It is quite possible that some individual features that do not fulfil all the aforementioned
criteria might indeed be natural boulders or protuberances of outcropping (but not
necessarily so). However, assuming that this is the case, it is unlikely to be significant in
terms of the overall database, its patterning, and what we can learn from it.
Since it can be concluded that the orthostats are archaeological features, dating them is the
issue that follows. Figure 11 shows that orthostats could belong to recent historical periods,
but is also illustrative of an obvious objection to that connected with the earlier discussion although carefully chosen for use as orthostats, none of them are of dressed stone, such as
the example illustrated.
19
Figure 11: An artificially placed orthostat of recent historical date - a boundary marker between South
Yorkshire and Derbyshire at the bottom of the west facing slope of Strines ridge. Source: author.
20
Figure 12: Feature 65, the largest orthostat, partly collapsed to its west side but propped up by a prominent
packing stone. Numerous others are visible within an eroded pit. Source: author.
The forerunners of markers such as in Figure 11 are represented by Guide Stoops, stone
markers erected to mark routeways at junctions after legislation passed in 1709, prior to the
advent of Turnpikes (Smith 2009). The legislation was an attempt to revive the marking of
routeways with stone markers during the medieval period. Those earlier markers are also
often referred to as way crosses, because the majority were worked in the form of a Latin
cross or otherwise inscribed with a cross (Historic England 2019). Many guide stoops survive
across Derbyshire and the Peak District, but far Fewer of their medieval antecedents. Some,
however, are still to be found in upland areas such as the Peak District (Figure 13) or in
Cornwall.
21
Figure 13: One of a number of orthostats marking the boundary between Derbyshire and the Parish of
Bradfield, in South Yorkshire. This unusually worn and small example (which includes Figure 11 above) might
well predate the others, and is plausibly of medieval or early post medieval date. The inscription, though
eroded, is probably later. Source: author.
What the way markers and guide stoops of former historical times have in common with
each other, including the older examples, is that they were dressed to one degree or
another, even if crudely. They are not natural unmodified stones. Moreover, as markers of
important points along boundaries or routeways, and especially junctions, they are
dispersed in a broadly linear fashion, one at a time, and with substantial gaps between
them.
The unmodified orthostats discussed here differ from the above not only in being
unmodified stones but also in the character of their distribution. They are assumed on those
bases to predate the medieval period. Precedents for the form and character of the
individual orthostats are also not found during the Roman period or Iron Age, but during the
Neolithic or Bronze Age (Figure 14; Figure 15).
22
Figure 14: An orthostat in the "Plaza" at the Late Neolithic ceremonial complex at the Ness of Brodgar, Orkney.
Source: author. Courtesy of Nick Card.
Figure 15: An orthostat from the ring circling the central cairn at the Bronze Age cemetary at Balnuaran of
Clava, Inverness. This diminutive example illustrates well how small such orthostats can be. Source: author.
23
Useful illustrative anecdotes notwithstanding, scholarship demonstrating the widespread
existence of prehistoric orthostats, such as that from the Ness of Brodgar, and diminutive
"miniliths" such as that associated with the Clava cairns near Inverness, show that the
stones at Foulstone Moor and Strines Moor are by no means unusual (Burl 1993; Gillings
2010; 2015; 2015b; Swarbrick 2012). Relatively nearby excavated examples are known from
West Yorkshire (Shepherd et al 2016). However, they do not form part of geometric settings
such as stone circles. The detailed study of 59 clusters of very small orthostats on Exmoor by
Mark Gillings over a period of ten years has shown that they occupy specific locales, on
valley sides overlooked by ridges and upland plateaux, usually above deeply incised
channels of the headwaters of fluvial systems, in close proximity to small cairns and
cairnfields. Excavated orthostats are frequently found to be embedded in stone holes and
wedged in place by cobbles and stones along the sides, some of which have been
deliberately constructed as box-like or cist-like structures. Datable material has not been
recovered, but struck quartz has. Quartz is often associated with Bronze Age structures and
Gillings, by analogy with better dated sites, has suggested that his clusters also relate to the
Bronze Age.
Cairns
Seventeen small cairns were also mapped during the present survey (Figure 10) which,
nominally, are also difficult to characterise and date with confidence without excavation.
They are all between two to four metres in diameter and sub-circular in plan. The cairn in
Figure 16 is an isolated example located at the border between the Parish Of Bradfield and
Derbyshire, on a saddle-like shelf directly between the headwaters of Rising Clough and
Strines Dike (Figure 17). Its north-east side is well defined and earth fast, but some of the
cobbles that it consists of are loose, and most of the cobbles are angular and sharply
defined. Its location could be related either to its topographical and environmental context
or to its proximity to the historical border.
24
Figure 16: A cairn at the base of the west facing slope of Strines ridge. Source: author.
Figure 17: The landscape context for feature 40, the cairn between Running Moss and Rising Clough. © Crown
Copyright/database right 2016 An Ordnance Survey/EDINA supplied service.
25
The majority of the recorded cairns are different in character to the above. None are quite
so isolated. Several include stone work that is far more rounded and less exposed (Figure
19). Eight of them have no stonework visible above ground, and are overgrown with
cowberry or bilberry (Figure 18). Eight are located together in a small cairnfield at the northeast end of Foulstone Moor, three are located together in a small cairnfield on Strines Moor,
and two are together on the edge of a small valley where springs rise on Strines Moor with
another located on the other side of the same valley. All are within close or very close
proximity to orthostats (Figure 20).
Figure 18: One of the densely overgrown cairns in the cairnfield on Foulstone Moor. Source: author.
26
Figure 19: A largely buried cairn showing well worn rounded cobbles on Strines Moor. Source: author.
Figure 20: Features 58 (foreground) and 59 (left, centre) on Strines Moor, part of one of the small clusters of
cairns and orthostats in the study area. Source: author.
27
Probably the most interesting cairn recorded is one that is relatively isolated, at
approximately 100 metres from the nearest orthostats, downslope to its south-west and
south-east. It is small, at less than two metres in diameter, but with a well defined
circumference that incorporates two kerb stones opposite each other (Figure 21).
Figure 21 : A small kerbed cairn at Foulstones Moor. Source: author.
In addition to the small cairns described above, a stone setting was recorded near the
highest point on Strines ridge, on a small plateau (Figure 17; Figure 22). The feature is
defined by a ring of stones to its east side, with more on its north side that are indistinct due
to being just below the surface of the soil. An earth-fast slab forms part of its south-west
side that is flat and partly buried. Within the perimeter of the setting is a sub-circular patch
of cow berry that is indicative of a difference between the soil there and that of the
surrounding small plateau. It is suggested that the feature is the remnant of a ring cairn.
28
Figure 22: A possible ring cairn on the ridge overlooking Strines Moor. Source: author.
Grooved stones
Near the north-eastern end of Foulstone ridge adjacent to Foulstone Delf and the quarry
two large earthfast boulders are marked by numerous linear grooves or striations. The
boulders are otherwise undisturbed, so it is doubtful whether these marks are the result of
quarrying activity (Figure 23). This is particularly so given the smooth and weather eroded
character of the edges of the marks, which indicate that they are of considerable age (Figure
24).
29
Figure 23: A boulder of Gritstone, disturbed only by numerous weather worn striations (some are visible at the
north end of rock here). Source: author.
Figure 24: Detail of Figure 23. Source: author.
30
Figure 25: Grooves at the north end of the large earthfast boulder, showing two cutting a shallow "dished"
depression. Source: author.
The marks are in clusters that are located close to each other, but the individual striations
do not align precisely. They are of different widths and depths and most are tapered at
either end in a narrow but lentoid fashion. Two striations appear to be cutting a wider and
shallower "dished" marking of sub-oval appearance (Figure 25). A notable and striking
characteristic of the larger of the two boulders is that on its west side it is marked by very
deep and wide naturally eroded cupules (Figure 26). Prima facie, It is impossible to date the
marks with certainty, but their probable antiquity, deduced from their weather worn and
irregular form, along with their lentoid morphology, closely resemble stone axe sharpening
marks, or a polissoir, of the Neolithic.
31
Figure 26: Foreground: the larger of the two grove marked boulders showing some of the grooves above the
0.5m scale and the large and highly distinctive natural cupules. Background: the smaller of the grove marked
boulders. Source: author.
Possible petroglyphs
The first of these to be recorded was on the east facing vertical side of a large subrectangular earth-fast slab, adjacent to the west end of the Quarry at the east end of
Foulstone ridge (Figure 27). The slab was marked with small “cup marks” of varying depth,
several of which appear to be aligned with and on the edge of two naturally eroded linear
gullies. At least some of these marks show signs of the shattering along their circumference
that are characteristic of gunshots. The slab is suspiciously close to the back yard of
Foulstone cottage, on the other side of the quarry and it is tempting to suggest that on
occasion in the recent past the slab has been used as target practice by guests staying there.
This, however, is pure speculation. Very similarly marked vertical faces of large earth-fast
boulders that were used for target practice by soldiers during WWII are in evidence on
Burbage Moor (Bevan 2006). However, Some of the possible cup marks on the present
example are different in character to the likely gunshot damage. They are deeper and better
defined and are better candidates for prehistoric cup marks, the possible attribution of
which is discussed below.
32
Figure 27: The “cup marked” earth-fast boulder at the east end of Foulstone ridge. Source: author
Upslope, and at the opposite end of Foulstone ridge (west) are substantial outcroppings of
substrate which includes a massive earthfast slab that has at least eight hemispherical
depressions to the north-west end of its horizontal face (Figure 28). Marks of this kind and
of those on the aforementioned vertical slab, are notoriously difficult to characterise even
as archaeological features, since naturally occurring solution hollows are a common feature
on geological substrates across the world (Bednarik 2008). Moreover, similar natural
erosional phenomena are observable in the local gritstone formations as evidenced in
Figure 26 above. The same erosion hollows are evident at various places on the
outcroppings at Foulstone moors, with varying dimensions, although anecdotal observations
indicate that almost all are larger in diameter and deeper than published examples of cupmarked stones. That said, it is claimed that cup marked stones of the Peak District are often
particularly large and deep (Barnatt and Robinson 2003: 14).
Without specialist geological training (as opposed even to general geological training),
determining the difference between natural solution hollows and genuine archaeological
features can be problematic (Bednarik 2010), particularly when the rings often associated
with cup marks are not present. However, it has been claimed (Bednarik 2008: 71) that cup
marks rarely exist in isolation and are often found in clusters or geometrically arranged
groups on rock faces, rather than spread in an entirely random distribution. The
geographical location can also offer an important clue, as they are often placed to take
advantage of specific geological and topographical attributes. Bradley (1997: 82) has shown
33
how there is patterning to this, and what he calls "simple" cup marked stones are more
usually found on boulders while more complicated petroglyphs are usually on outcropping.
Figure 28: Possible cupules on outcropping near the west end of Foulstone ridge. Source: author.
The markings on the horizontal slab are indeed a distinct group clustered at the north-west
end of the outcropping. Neighbouring chunks of outcropping lack the marks altogether.
However, they do not form a geometrically arranged cluster and do not conform to
Bradley's pattern of simple cup marks on boulders and complex petroglyphs on outcropping
(though he emphasises that there are regional variations to such patterning). The few cup
marks on the vertical slab do appear to belong to a more geometrical arrangement, relating
to the erosion gullies mentioned.
After extensive fieldwork at various locales in Britain, Bradley also concludes that "rock art"
is usually sited at vantage points commanding specific views, and above likely routeways
through the landscape (1997: 89). The present markings are located on outcropping that is
just beneath the summit of the west end of Foulstone ridge, and on the vertical slab at the
east end of the ridge. They overlook both the extensive valley slopes to its south and east
with their cairns and orthostats and Strines ridge and Bradfield Dale beyond. They also
overlook Foulstone road to their immediate north-west, alongside Foulstone Dike, that has
34
in the recent historic past served as an important routeway between South Yorkshire and
North Derbyshire and beyond. Foulstone ridge is itself overlooked by the outcroppings of
Derwent Edge to its west. Derwent Edge, moreover, is itself the location of three recently
recorded "simple" cup-marked stones bearing close resemblance to the markings at the
present location (Guilbert 2015). The location is certainly consistent with the kind of
distinctive place that Bradley was thinking of. The present markings, if archaeological, are
most likely to be simple archaeological cup marks of the kind that are generally assigned to
the Neolithic or Bronze Age (Barnatt and Robinson 2003: 15).
Linear embankments and possible house platform
Near Foulstone Moor, to the immediate south-west of the precipitously incised Running
Moss Dike, at a break of slope below the ridge and outcropping at Blackhole, there is a small
plateau-like south facing slope between there and the equally precipitous sides of Strines
Dike (Figure 17; Figure 30). The area seems to be defined by an arc of several of the
aforementioned orthostats. Within this area are the very low lying remains of at least two
linear embankments. One of these is approximately eleven metres long and the other
(parallel, to its south west) is approximately four metres long. They were observed by
chance in an area where the heather has been burned off in recent years, on a day when the
sun was low in the late afternoon (Figure 29).
Figure 29: The longer of the two linear embankments. Source: author.
35
Between the embankments, immediately upslope, is located a sub-circular cleared area
approximately seven metres in diameter that appears to be a "house" platform.
Figure 30: Features at Running Moss. © Crown Copyright/database right 2016 An Ordnance Survey/EDINA
supplied service.
Holloways
A distinct and eroded path (Holloway 1) running west from enclosed fields of pasture
adjacent to the Strines Public House ends where it meets Strines Dike near the east end of
Foulstone Moor (Figure 31; Figure 32). The east end of the path is directly adjacent to the
line of a dry stone walled field boundary that is completely buried under a deep bed of
moss. This path forks about halfway along. The orientation and line of the path is its most
intriguing attribute, since it appears (at least superficially) to be almost identical to that of
the line of features on the other side of Strines Dike beginning at the top of the scarp edge
that overlooks it. Those features consist of two of the aforementioned cairns and fifteen of
the orthostats. However, though eroded, the depth is slight in comparison with better
known holloways elsewhere (Hey 2002: 118). That, and its obvious relationship with the
aforementioned former field boundary, indicate that this path is of recent date.
36
To the immediate north of the first path and on the opposite side of Strines Dike is another
path (Holloway 2) that is more deeply incised than Holloway 1. Holloway 2 runs
approximately, if sinuously, upslope north-south. It ends in a very flat and distinct shelf that
is too large to be a "house" platform although does not appear to be natural (Figure 33).
This platform or mini-plateau appears to be partly bounded on its west and north sides by
three more orthostats (Figure 31).
Figure 31 : Holloways in relation to orthostats and cairns. © Crown Copyright/database right 2016 An
Ordnance Survey/EDINA supplied service.
37
Figure 32: Feature 15, facing east with Holloway 1 visible in the background. Source: author.
Figure 33: The small plateau-like platform above holloway 2, facing north. Source: author.
38
Boundary stones
Six roughly dressed rectangular or sub rectangular orthostats were mapped along the
boundary between South Yorkshire and Derbyshire (Figure 11; Figure 34). Boundary stones
appear marked on the contemporary ordnance Survey map and two of the examples
recorded are in the exact locations marked on the map. They are not identical, one has the
distinct appearance of an earlier guide stoop (Figure 35). Another example was very crudely
shaped and badly eroded (Figure 36) and marked with the legend "TPD". The legend is
arguably later than the post itself, but is very eroded and probably not of very recent date
(the estate boundary stone discussed below with the legend "MF 1872" was fresh and sharp
by comparison). It is likely that these stones which mark the boundary between historical
administrative regions were set up over a very considerable period of time, indicative of the
relative antiquity of the boundary.
Figure 34: Features of probable post medieval and recent historical date. © Crown Copyright/database right
2016 An Ordnance Survey/EDINA supplied service.
39
Figure 35: County boundary marker with guide stoop-like appearance. Source: author.
Figure 36: Possible medieval or early post medieval way marker on Strines Edge. Source: author.
40
Possible estate boundary stones
These stones were encountered first on the first day of the survey, and were initially
assumed not to be in situ, since they were together in a pair (Figure 37). By the time the
third such pair had been discovered, it was realised that the pairing was meaningful. Apart
from the last example, all of these stones were thin sub-rectangular stones of fine grained
sandstone. The first pair, in area A on Foulstone Moor, had stones inscribed with the legend
"WF". The second pair, in area B was inscribed with the legend "FTM". To the immediate
west of these also in area B was a pair, facing each other, with the legend "WF" on one
stone and "FTM" on the other. The next location, on the east bank of Running Moss Dike in
area D had three stones, one inscribed with the legend "FTM" and two with the legend
"WF". A little to the west of the west bank was a single stone inscribed with the legend
"WF". Very close to each other in area H were a pair of stones on Strines Moor ridge and a
single stone all inscribed with the legend "WF”. To the north-east on the same ridge was
another group of three, two inscribed with the legend "WF" and one with "FTM".
Downslope to the east, also in area H, was a single stone inscribed with the legend "WF".
Finally, to the south east still in area H and adjacent to Mortimer road was a larger Gritstone
example, arguably of slightly more recent date to judge from its fresh appearance, inscribed
with the legend "FM 1872".
It is known that the estates of neighbouring landowners in the area of Hallam moors during
the 19th century set up estate boundary stones inscribed with the initials of their owners
(Hey 2002: 106). One of them, Wilson Mappin, was the son of the Sheffield Cutler Sir
Frederic Mappin (Hey 2002: 106). It seems likely therefore that the inscribed stones in the
present survey were of the same sort, and possible that "FTM" is Sir Frederic himself.
41
Figure 37 : The first pair of putative estate boundary markers to be recorded in area A, Foulstone Moor.
Source: author.
One more of these stones, marked with the legend "WF" was noted lying loose on a slab of
outcropping on Foulstone ridge. This was obviously not in situ and its precise location not
recorded.
Possible gate post
Alongside the dry stone walled field boundary at the north end of area H, on Strines Moor,
was a curious roughly dressed orthostat (Figure 38). The orthostat was perforated with two
42
horizontally aligned holes at its top. This is most likely to be a redundant gate post of recent
historical date.
Figure 38: Possible gate post next to fields adjacent to Strines public House. Source: author.
Debris scatter
This was not a feature, but a distinct scatter of debris of recent date, including a number of
corroded artefacts of ferrous metal, fragments of glass, gauze, cabling, a hexagonal ferrous
metal coupling, and large solidified chunks of molten metal alloy, possibly aluminium. It was
located upslope of Pears House Clough in area H. The National Monuments Record (No.
1517553) records that on the 21st July 1951 a De Havilland Vampire fighter bomber Mk5
43
crashed in the vicinity and was destroyed, although the pilot survived. The debris recorded
is highly likely to be a function of that incident.
Graffito
On a small slab of outcropping at Blackhole, in area D, a graffito was noted (Figure 48)
although it was too faded to read easily.
Post Roughouts
Adjacent to Mortimer Road in area I close to an extensive boulder strewn slope evidence
was found for the quarrying and primary working of possible gate posts. At least eight of the
posts which were lying together in apparent readiness for dispatch (Figure 39).
Figure 39: Probable roughly prepared gateposts of recent historical date. Source: author.
Brogging Moss Grotto
The only survey area investigated in full without features of possible prehistoric date in
evidence was area J, corresponding approximately with the extent of Brogging Moss. There
was little else in evidence there either apart from three small square modern box-like
structures along Foulstone Dike that are assumed to relate to contemporary water
44
extraction and were not recorded. The only recorded feature was a small square structure
to the west end of Brogging Moss, near the top of its east facing slope where many springs
rise (Figure 34; Figure 40). The structure is between two of these springs and is constructed
in more than one phase. The earliest phase consists of roughly dressed ashlar blocks of
Gritstone, with the later phase including what appears to be a very early form of breeze
block, along with concrete including a flat concrete roof. It was initially thought that the
structure might also be connected with water extraction. However, the internal space is
furnished with a fireplace (Figure 41) making that unlikely. It was more likely to be a place
for taking shelter in. Map regression shows that the structure appears on the first edition
map of the mid 19th century, where the structure is labelled "Brogging Moss Grotto". This
romantic sounding name probably offers a clue to its origin, perhaps as a temporary shelter
for the landed gentry while on hunting trips or other outdoor activities. "Shooting cabins",
along with shooting butts were constructed in many places across the moors (Bevan 2004:
126) and Brogging Moss Grotto is probably an example of one.
Figure 40 : Brogging Moss Grotto, facing south. Source: author.
45
Figure 41: The fireplace inside Brogging Moss Grotto, facing west. Source: author.
7. Discussion
Many of the features described above closely resemble examples on the west side of the
watershed of this part of the southern Pennines that have been investigated more fully
(Ainsworth 2001; Barnatt 1994; Ashmore et al 2010; Barnatt et al 2017). Many small, as well
as very extensive, cairnfields have been surveyed over decades on the Gritstone landscapes
of the East Moors. A number of the cairns from the East Moors have been excavated, at
locations such as Sir William Hill (Wilson and Barnatt 2004). Some of the cairns appear to be
unstructured in character and probably relate to clearance. However, some of these
“clearance” type cairns overly cremation burials. Other cairns are carefully constructed in
their earliest phase, but are then overlain with rubble similar to that of “typical” clearance
cairns. Whatever the precise significance of these practices, it is likely that there was no
clear demarcation between cairns for clearance in connection with horticulture or
agriculture, and disposal of the dead.
46
Datable evidence, where recovered, indicates that the phenomenon of creating cairns
relates from the Late Neolithic to the Early Iron Age (Ainsworth 2001: 61), although most
appear to belong to the Middle Bronze Age (Barnatt et al 2017: 26). The cairns and
cairnfields are frequently associated with cleared areas defined by lines of small cairns or
linear clearance, and are often located in close proximity to platforms for circular structures
usually interpreted as houses (Ainsworth 2001: 26). Some of these have been excavated,
confirming that at least some of these “house platforms” are indeed the remains of houses
or other settlement related structures.
Comparanda from the east side of the watershed, from South Yorkshire, is very limited due
to the complete absence of excavated data to modern standards or in recent times. John
Wilson of Broomhead Hall is known to have undertaken excavations in the extensive
cairnfield at Ewden Beck during the 18th century. These produced a “celt” and calcined
bones (Hunter 1819: 461). During the 1960s, Jeff Radley undertook excavations of a ring
cairn and clearance cairns at Totley Moor which furnished an urn burial, other human
remains and flintwork (Radley 1965; 1966). Surveying by staff and students of the former
Institute for Lifelong Learning at Sheffield University noted the presence of cairnfields, a ring
cairn and an isolated orthostat at Hallam Moors during the early 2000s (Sidebottom 2013).
There are two broad differences between the results of the present study and earlier work.
First, though cairns that are morphologically very similar to those from the Eastern Moors
are present, they are in much smaller numbers. Secondly, although orthostats are not
completely unknown from the cairnfields of the Eastern Moors (Bevan 2006; Barnatt et al
2017: 34; Garton 2014), few seem to be in evidence and no detail about them is available. In
most of the literature relating to the East Moors they are absent.
A possible reason for the limited evidence for cairns and associated field systems and house
platforms at Foulstone and Strines Moors is the elevation of the area. For the most part the
area is over 300m above ordnance datum, and much of it is at almost 400m. The limited
evidence that does exist is located in small sheltered areas such as that in the vicinity of
Running Moss, with its possible house platform. It is generally believed that settlement on
the Gritstone was difficult to sustain much above 300m above ordnance datum (Barnatt et
al 2017: 90).
The absence on the East Moors of the abundance of small orthostats that have been
recorded in the present study is more difficult to explain. Very similar features have been
recorded elsewhere in South Yorkshire (Cockrell 2010; 2016; 2017: 132), and elsewhere on
uplands at various places in the British Isles (Burl 1993; Gillings et al 2010; Gillings 2015;
2015b, Swarbrick 2012; Shepherd et al 2016). It is possible that the difference in elevation is
relevant, since it has already been noted that the abundant cairns on the East Moors have
been recorded at lower elevations, where orthostats are largely absent, and that the
47
orthostats are most dense in distribution at those higher elevations. More research needs to
be undertaken to address that question.
8. Conclusion
Two broad phases of activity are in evidence at Foulstone and Strines Moors. The earlier
phase probably relates from the Middle to Late Bronze Age, although the presence of a
possible pollisoir indicates that settlement or other interaction with this locale might extend
into the Neolithic. Mesolithic flintwork recovered in the area, particularly in proximity to
signs of later prehistoric activity, indicates that the locale was one that had been visited and
interacted with over a far longer period of time, with specific places in it sought out for
attention. There is nothing in evidence relating to later periods until the post medieval use
of this landscape as a Grouse Moor.
Acknowledgements
I am grateful to Anthony Barber-Lomax, the estate manager of the Fitzwilliam (Wentworth)
estate for permitting access to Foulstone and Strines Moors to undertake the survey. The
help and the friendly and positive reception the team and I received from himself and his
colleagues is much appreciated. Natural England are thanked for their advice concerning
this landscape which was reassuring and helpful. Sheffield Archives and Local Studies
Library, South Yorkshire Archaeology Service and the Peak District National Park Authority
are all thanked for their help and for information received. John Barnatt provided timely
advice, information and his invaluable insights into the Gritstone uplands. Martin Waller and
Phil Sidebottom are also thanked for their insights and support. This survey would not have
been possible without the support of Sheffield and Rotherham Wildlife Trust and the
Heritage Lottery Funding that was awarded. Most of all, I would like to thank for the hard
work, enthusiasm and good company they supplied the many people who participated in
the survey. They are, in no particular order, Mandy Hayes, Andrew Tissington, Wendy Birks,
David Willis, Andy Heath, Andrew Drabble, Wendy Crossland, Margaret Boulton, Steve
Anwyll, John Metcalf, Ruth Morgan, Paul Ash, Liz Palmer, Marilyn Band, David Oldfield,
Elizabeth Doyle and Caroline Denby Hollis.
48
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50
Appendix 1: Database
east.
north.
421280
390881
No
1
Type: General
Specific
Period
Comments
earthfast boulder
cup marked
BA/
12.poss.bullet holes.
H
W
T
packing
orien.
slab
NW-SE
Modern
421356
390821
2
orthostat
BA
deep erosion gullies
421682
390667
3
orthostat
BA
eroded.
421672
390776
4
orthostat
BA
eroded smooth
421661
390744
5
orthostat
BA
eroded smooth
421393
390930
6
earthfast boulder
BA
linear grooves.eroded.
421661
390899
7
orthostat
BA
eroded
421621
390838
8
orthostat
BA
eroded smooth
421470
390837
9
cairn
pollisoir
ovoid
1
0.7
0.3
0.5
0.88
0.38
stones
E-W
0.65
1
0.3
none
NE-SW
0.4
0.7
0.2
none
NE-SW
0.84
0.9
0.2
stones
E-W
1
2.2
0.3
hole.stone.
N-S
0.28
none.vis.
E-W
N-S
1 stone visible.
4
others sub-surface.
421486
390863
cairn
sub-circular
421493
390851
cairn
sub-circular
421485
390870
cairn
sub-circular
421476
390872
cairn
sub-circular
421463
390871
cairn
sub-circular
421469
390889
cairn
sub-circular
421478
390881
cairn
sub-circular
421487
390539
10
orthostat
sub-rectangular
BA
421344
390543
11
orthostat
sub-rectangular
BA
weathered. eroded top
0.58
1.3
0.3
none vis.
E-W
421379
390475
12
orthostat
sub-rectangular
BA
modest erosion to top
0.68
1.17
0.18
none vis.
N-S
421405
390470
13
orthostat
sub-rectangular
BA
slight erosion to top.
0.65
1.15
0.56
none vis.
E-W
very deep erosion
0.85
1.1
gullies to top
in hollow
421448
390491
14
cairn
sub-circular
covered by bilberry
4
421251
390505
15
orthostat
sub-rectangular
BA
in hollow.
0.85
1.15
0.29
5 stones vis.
N-S
421186
390489
16
orthostat
sub-rectangular
BA
slight erosion to top.
0.94
1.58
0.38
stones vis.
E-W
421178
390487
17
orthostat
sub-rectangular
BA
w.end flat.e.end pointed
0.48
1
0.22
stones vis.
E-W
421182
390507
18
orthostat
sub-rectangular
BA
erosion gully
0.3
0.5
0.15
NE-SW
421123
390467
19
orthostat
sub-rectangular
BA/
post.me
d
0.6
0.65
0.3
NE-SW
421097
390529
20
orthostat
sub-rectangular
BA
in 2m dia hollow.
0.8
1
0.55
stones vis.
N-S
421114
390519
21
orthostat
sub-rectangular
BA
erosion gullies to top.
0.55
0.6
0.25
none vis.
N-S
421090
390515
22
orthostat
sub-rectangular
BA
mostly buried in
0.6
0.9
0.25
none vis.
N-S
2
1.4
E-W
1.8
0.7
N-S
N-S
moss/ bilberry
421005
390562
23
cairn
ovoid kerbed
BA
2 kerb stones
420846
390678
24
petroglyph
cup marked
BA
8. Horizontal
outcropping
420887
390519
25
orthostat
sub-rectangular
BA
420914
390510
26
orthostat
sub-rectangular
BA
420942
390488
27
orthostat
square
421076
390234
28
orthostat
sub-rectangular
heavy erosion
1.2
gullies to top
BA
heavy erosion
gullies to top
51
0.8
1.2
0.6
0.55
0.45
0.45
0.55
0.75
0.2
stones vis.
N-S
420919
390340
29
orthostat
sub-rectangular
BA
420898
390351
30
orthostat
sub-rectangular
BA
420810
390408
31
orthostat
sub-rectangular
BA
420864
390173
32
orthostat
sub-rectangular
420931
390197
33
orthostat
421015
389924
34
420850
389963
420981
erosion gullies to top.
0.85
0.9
0.3
stones vis.
N-S
0.48
0.6
0.2
none vis.
N-S
erosion gullies to top.
0.78
0.8
0.4
none vis.
BA
erosion gullies to top.
0.5
0.7
0.35
none vis.
N-S
NNWSSE
sub-rectangular
BA
erosion gullies to top.
0.55
0.8
0.15
none vis.
NW-SE
orthostat
sub-rectangular
BA
0.5
0.5
0.25
none vis.
N-S
35
orthostat
sub-rectangular
BA
erosion gullies to top.
1.1
1.6
0.5
hole.stones
N-S
390131
36
linear embankment
sub-rectangular
BA
east end
11
1.5
E-W
420972
390135
36
linear embankment
sub-rectangular
BA
west end
11
1.5
E-W
420957
390123
37
linear embankment
sub-rectangular
BA
east end
4.3
4.3
E-W
420952
390120
37
linear embankment
sub-rectangular
BA
west end
4.3
4.3
E-W
420963
390132
38
house platform
sub-circular
BA
10
7
420851
389782
39
orthostat
sub-rectangular
BA
0.5
0.7
0.12
421090
389491
40
cairn
sub-circular
BA/
hole
E-W
NNESSW
2
Modern
421416
389848
41
ring cairn
circular
BA
421410
421410
7 kerb stones
389937
42
orthostat
sub-rectangular
BA
1
1.9
0.5
389937
43
orthostat
sub-rectangular
BA
0.8
1.5
0.4
hole.stones
N-S
421706
390185
44
orthostat
sub-rectangular
BA
0.92
0.42
0.17
stones vis.
E-W
422193
390308
45
orthostat
sub-rectangular
BA
1.1
1.7
0.4
hole.stones
N-S
4 stones
E-W
deep erosion gullies
6
N-S
to top
422173
390293
46
orthostat
sub-rectangular
BA
slight erosion
0.7
0.7
0.3
421960
390179
47
orthostat
sub-rectangular
BA
erosion gullies to top.
0.7
1.5
0.3
421965
390216
48
orthostat
sub-rectangular
BA
1
1
0.2
421978
390217
49
orthostat
sub-rectangular
BA
erosion gullies to top.
0.5
0.8
0.25
422161
390129
50
orthostat
sub-rectangular
BA
slight erosion
0.8
1.4
0.5
hole.stones
N-S
421641
390058
51
cairn
sub-circular
BA
recent disturbance.
N-S
stones vis.
N-S
N-S
2
tractor?
421645
390038
52
cairn
sub-circular
BA
covered in bilberry
421640
390024
53
cairn
sub-circular
BA
3 stones visible
421872
389826
54
orthostat
sub-rectangular
BA
0.75
1.6
0.5
hole
N-S
421878
389700
55
orthostat
sub-rectangular
BA
0.6
1.2
0.5
hole.stones
E-W
421797
389745
56
orthostat
sub-rectangular
BA
421709
389680
57
orthostat
sub-rectangular
BA
slight "give"
2.5
2
0.45
1.1
0.2
hole.stones
N-S
0.45
0.9
0.27
hole
NE-SW
1.2
0.25
hole
NW-SE
when pushed.
421753
389653
58
cairn
sub-circular
BA
some stones loose
2
on top
421761
389658
59
orthostat
sub-rectangular
BA
erosion gullies to top.
421754
389679
60
cairn
sub-circular
BA
6 earth fast stones
0.6
2
N-S
visible
421801
389443
61
orthostat
sub-rectangular
421746
389437
62
cairn
sub-circular
BA
erosion gullies to top.
angular cobbles.
0.8
1.3
0.4
hole
N-S
hole.stones
N-S
3
robbed out
421738
389394
63
orthostat
sub-rectangular
BA
0.8
0.9
0.4
421690
389414
64
orthostat
sub-rectangular
BA
0.9
1.1
0.3
421947
389200
65
orthostat
sub-rectangular
BA
1.5
0.85
0.45
52
30 packing stones visible
NE-SW
hole.stones
N-S
421908
389140
66
orthostat
sub-rectangular
BA
0.7
0.7
0.2
421709
389083
67
orthostat
sub-rectangular
BA
0.5
0.85
0.22
E-W
421711
389069
68
orthostat
sub-rectangular
BA
0.6
0.68
0.32
N-S
421599
390995
boundary
estate
2 "WF"
421409
390593
boundary
estate
2 "FTM"
421321
390496
boundary
estate
1 "WTF" 1 "FTM"
on "pedestal" of peat.
facing each other
421046
390199
boundary
estate
1 "FTM" 2 "WF"
421033
390120
boundary
estate
1 "WF"
421519
390005
boundary
estate
2 "FTM"
421698
390344
boundary
estate
2 "WF" 1 "FTM"
421540
390036
boundary
estate
1 "FTM"
421910
390280
boundary
estate
1 "WF"
421842
389802
debris.
glass.wire.copper.
bolts.cabling.
422040
389582
boundary
estate
1 "MF 1872"
421685
389094
boundary
county/parish
has benchmark
421618
389169
boundary
county/parish
421810
388991
waymarker?
medieval?
legend - "TPD"
422191
388984
scatter
stone posts
8-9 roughly dressed
422168
388520
boundary
county/parish
422248
388542
boundary
county/parish
420411
390857
Square hut
Brogging Moss Grotto.
Fireplace.
421850
390562
boundary
estate
1 "FTM"
422097
390445
stone post
guide stoop?
2 perforations at top.
53
hole.stones
E-W
Appendix 2: Additional Photographs
Figure 42: Foreground to background: Brogging Moss Grotto, Brogging Moss, Foulstone Moor Ridge, Strines
Moor Ridge, Boot's Folly, Ughill Moors. Source: author.
Figure 43: Blackhole Moor, in the Moscar Estate, facing south-west from Brogging Moss. Source: author.
54
Figure 44: Recording feature 13 on Foulstone Moor. Source: author.
Figure 45: The end elevation of feature 10 on Foulstone Moor. Source: author.
55
Figure 46: Feature 16 on Foulstone Moor, facing south-east towards Strines Moor Ridge. Source: author.
Figure 47: Strines Dike in area G facing west, with Strines Moor Ridge (left). Source: author.
56
Figure 48: The graffito in area D and a natural solution hollow, facing south across Running Moss to Strines
Dike and Strines Moor Ridge. Source: author.
Figure 49: A grouse butt and rigg and furrow visible in a field on the south side of Strines Inn. Source: author.
57
Figure 50: Feature 47 on Strines Moor, area H. Boot's folly is in the background. Source: author.
58
Figure 51: Feature 65, the largest of the mapped orthostats, in area I on the lower slopes of Strines Edge.
Source: author.
Figure 52: A cairn on Strines Moor. Source: author.
59
Figure 53: Overhead shot of an orthostat on Strines Moor.
Figure 54: Foulstone road with the north-west facing slope of Foulstone Moor behind. Left of centre: the
quarry (trees) and Foulstone Delf (Cottage). right: the major outcropping towards the east end of the ridge.
Source: author
60
61