The Culbone Stone, an early mediaeval standing stone, is close to Culbone in the English county of Somerset. The stone is made from Hangman grit, a local sandstone, and has a wheeled ring cross carved into it. The stone has been scheduled as an ancient monument.[1]
Location and description
editThe stone lies in woodland close to the boundary between Oare and Porlock on a permissive path through private land.[2] It is approximately 3 feet (0.91 m) in height and 20 inches (510 mm) wide with a maximum depth of 8 inches (200 mm).[3]
It is made of Hangman grit a local sandstone which represents the Middle Devonian sequence of North Devon and Somerset. The unusual freshwater deposits in the Hangman Grits were mainly formed in desert conditions.[4]
At the top of the stone is an incised wheeled ring cross, with a diameter of 0.11 metres (4.3 in) which is a Christian symbol, the style of which suggests it dates from 7th to 9th century. One arm of the cross at the lower right extends out of the circle.[5] A slightly earlier date of the 6th or 7th century has also been suggested.[6]
History
editSee also
editReferences
edit- ↑ Historic England. "Incised stone W of Stent Hill (1006141)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 23 November 2014.
- ↑ "Culbone Stone". Megalithic Portal. Retrieved 24 October 2007.
- ↑ "Incised stone W of Stent Hill". Somerset Historic Environment Record. Somerset County Council. Archived from the original on 3 October 2016. Retrieved 23 November 2014.
- ↑ "Geology on Exmoor". Exmoor National Park. Retrieved 23 November 2014.
- 1 2 "MSO7891 - Culbone Stone, Culbone Hill". Exmoor National Park Historic Environment Record. Exmoor National Park. Archived from the original on 24 September 2015. Retrieved 23 November 2014.
- ↑ "Culbone Stone". The Modern Antiquarian. Retrieved 24 October 2007.
- ↑ Historic England. "Culbone Stone (35920)". Research records (formerly PastScape). Retrieved 23 November 2014.
