MSO9261 - The Devils' Stone, east of Luckwell Bridge (Monument)

Summary

A standing stone alleged to be of prehistoric origin. Field investigation found a massive quartz block measuring 2.1 metres long, 1.2 metres wide and 1.65 metres high. It is near to a quarry and likely to be medieval or later date.

Please read the Exmoor National Park Historic Environment Record .

Type and Period (2)

Protected Status

  • None recorded

Full Description

Field name is "Hour stone" [1] which may be a corruption of Hoar stone. Local tradition of a boundary or path stone. [2] At SS 91427 38665 in an improved pasture field immediately adjacent to a massive limestone quarry (MSO12606) is a massive quartz block. The stone measures 2.1 metres long, 1.2 metres wide and is 1.65 metres high. The farmer states that the local name for the stone is `The Devil's Stone' and that tradition links it to the Devil hurling material from Dunkery Beacon. The stone appears unlikely to be prehistoric in origin. Its close proximity to the limestone quarry suggests rather a medieval, or more likely early post-medieval origin. (Incorrectly plotted on NMR 1:10,000 record sheet). [3] This record was enhanced as part of the National Record of the Historic Environment to Exmoor National Park Historic Environment Record data transfer project. [4]

Sources/Archives (4)

  • <1> Map: 1842. Cutcombe Tithe Map and Apportionment. Land parcel 606.
  • <2> Verbal communication: Various. 1900-. Somerset County Council / South West Heritage Trust staff comments. M Aston, 7 January 1977.
  • <3>XY Unpublished document: Wilson-North, R.. Various. Field Investigators Comments. RCHME Field Investigation, 16 October 1997. [Mapped feature: #47864 ]
  • <4> Digital archive: Historic England. Various. National Record of the Historic Environment (NRHE) entry. 1089124, Extant 21 February 2022.

External Links (1)

Other Statuses/References

  • Exmoor National Park HER Number (now deleted): MSO11167
  • Local List Status (Unassessed)
  • National Monuments Record reference: SS 93 NW17
  • National Park
  • NRHE HOB UID (Pastscape): 1089124
  • Somerset SMR PRN (Somerset): 33497

Map

Location

Grid reference SS 9142 3866 (point)
Map sheet SS93NW
Civil Parish CUTCOMBE, WEST SOMERSET, SOMERSET

Finds (0)

Related Monuments/Buildings (0)

Related Events/Activities (2)

Record last edited

Feb 21 2022 8:32PM

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