Praying stone

Named 'Praying stone' on the OS 6-inch map it was described by Price (1957, 287-8) as a large boulder with four 'artificial hollows' on the bank of the River Dargle. The area was inspected in 1989 and again in 2012. There is no visible surface indication of this boulder. The river course at this point has been degraded considerably as a result of storms and it is very likely that the bank where the boulder lay has been carried away by flood waters. Compiled by: Paul Walsh Date of upload: 17 February 2012

Likely dating to the Bronze Age, the Praying stone may have had ritual or ceremonial significance, possibly used for offerings or spiritual practices. The artificial hollows could have held water, food, or other items associated with prehistoric rites.