The Fosse Way Standing Stones

Alongside a section of the Fosse Way in Wiltshire, three standing stones surmounted by a cap stone can be found arranged in the style of an ancient burial chamber.

The Fosse Way is an ancient Roman road that ran for 182 miles linking the Roman settlements at Exeter and Lincoln, via the other Roman settlements at Ilchester, Bath, Cirencester and Leicester. The name of the Fosse Way derives from the Latin word for ditch and for the early part of Roman rule in Britain the Fosse Way marked the western border of Roman control. The Fosse Way may have started life as a defensive ditch and then latterly been converted into a road, or the initial construction may have been a road supported by a ditch - the jury is still out on that one.

The standing stones in question can be found on the Bannerdown Road as it passes between Batheaston in Somerset towards Colerne in Wiltshire. Whilst these standing stones look like an ancient monument they are actually a fairly modern construction that marks the point where the boundaries of the counties of Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, and Somerset historically met. The stones were erected in February 1859 and were erected over three slightly older stones dating from 1736, each of which are said to be inscribed with the initials of one of the three counties (i.e. G, W & S).

A quick Internet search reveals that this is not the only “Three Shires Stone” in the country and other tripoints (a point where three counties meet) are also marked with monuments, whether these be standing stones, oak trees or a wood!

If you ever visit the Three Shires Stones on the Fosse Way, do keep your eyes peeled. Apparently nearby in a dry stone wall there are a few carved words that tell the story of an unfortunate person who was murdered on the Fosse Way. My brief inspection of the wall failed to uncover the inscription, but a more careful eye may be able to discern the inscription and the tale that it tells.

The Three Shire Stones on the Fosse Way.

Pictures: Wiltshire (August 2015).

The Hill Fort at Ham Hill

Just west of Yeovil in Somerset on Ham Hill a large Iron Age hill fort and a set of standing stones await the passing visitor.

The hill fort is an impressive construction in the double bank and ditch design, which has 3 miles of ramparts (which rise in places to 12 m in height). The ramparts defend an approximate area of 210 acres and the hill fort sits at around 120 m above sea level, with commanding views of the surrounding landscape.

Archaeological evidence points to the hill fort having been occupied for a significant portion of its history. It is first believed to have been occupied in the 7th Century BC and to also have been used during the Roman era (approx. 43AD – 400AD). It is uncertain whether the site was occupied during the Saxon era (approx. 400AD – 1065AD), but it was certainly in use during the Medieval era (approx. 1066AD – 1484AD). Today the hill fort is occupied by a Visitor Centre and a Public House, making Ham Hill perhaps the only hill fort in the country with its own pub!

The hill fort has produced numerous archaeological finds over the years that have been used to date the periods of occupation, including: sling stones, bronze armor scales, chariot parts, iron currency bars, gold and silver coins, cremations and burials.

The other notable feature at Ham Hill is the circle of standing stones, which are Hamstone. Ham Hill is well known for its quarry and the honey coloured stone (Hamstone) that is produces. Hamstone is used as a building material and has been used for a number of impressive properties in the area, including nearby Montacute House. It seems that the standing stones are a modern creation which were erected in 2000 to commemorate all of the workers who have quarried stone at Ham Hill over the centuries.

So if you are looking to visit a hill fort, see a set of standing stones and have a pint, then Ham Hill is the place to go.

The ramparts.

The ramparts and visitor centre. 

More ramparts.

Yet more ramparts, with standing stones in the distance.

The stones.

The stones from above.

Hamstone close up.

Views from the hill fort.

Ham Hill war memorial.

Ham Hill war memorial.

Pictures, Somerset (September 2013).

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A French Monolith

One thing that Britain and France have in common is the prevalence of standing-stones that are dotted about the countryside. During a recent holiday to France me and Mrs J came across this rather impressive example. This menhir (French for long stone/tall upright megalith) is known as the “Pierre Plantée de Lussan” or “menhir de la Lèque“ (as it is located near the hamlet of La Lèque and the village of Lussan). The menhir is an impressive 5.6 metres high, making it the tallest standing stone in the department of Gard. This menhir is believed to date from around 2300 to 1800 years BC.

The menhir.

The menhir in comparison to a 6'4" measuring "stick".

Side on.

Around the back.

Local information board.

Pictures, France (October 2012).