Butter Stone

Heritage Site in Yorkshire

England

Butter Stone

Remains of Doe Park Mill Credit: Clive Nicholson

Butter Stone, located in Yorkshire, is a renowned heritage site that holds great historical and cultural significance. Situated amidst the picturesque landscape of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, this ancient monument has captivated visitors for centuries.

The Butter Stone is an impressive standing stone, measuring approximately 6 feet in height. Its origins date back to the Neolithic period, around 3,000 BC, making it around 5,000 years old. The stone is made of local limestone, which was likely chosen due to its durability and abundance in the region.

This heritage site is believed to have served as a significant marker or boundary stone in ancient times. Its precise purpose remains shrouded in mystery, as there is limited historical documentation available. However, its strategic location on the outskirts of a once-thriving community suggests that it may have played a role in demarcating territories or as a meeting point for nearby settlements.

Visitors to the Butter Stone can marvel at its impressive size and craftsmanship, which is a testament to the skill and ingenuity of our ancient ancestors. The stone's weathered surface bears witness to the passage of time and the countless generations that have admired its grandeur.

Butter Stone is a popular destination for history enthusiasts, hikers, and nature lovers alike. Its tranquil surroundings offer breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside, making it an ideal spot for a peaceful retreat. The site is easily accessible, with ample parking and well-maintained footpaths leading visitors to the stone.

In conclusion, Butter Stone in Yorkshire is a must-visit heritage site that provides a glimpse into our ancient past. Its age, size, and enigmatic history make it a fascinating attraction, drawing visitors from far and wide to marvel at its enduring beauty and archaeological significance.

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Butter Stone Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.562/-2.007 or Grid Reference NY9918. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Remains of Doe Park Mill

Clive Nicholson

Ruins of former mill

Balder mill or Doe Park mill was used until the construction of reservoirs upstream interrupted the water supply.

David Robinson

Moorland with partly frozen pool

The pool is beside a moorland track, south of farms at Booze Wood and High Corn Park, which is the set of buildings beyond the trees.

Trevor Littlewood

Remains of World War II tank

The remains of the tank lie on moorland north of the MOD Battle Hill Range and south-west of the trig point of Currack Rigg. An item in the Northern Echo of 03 January 2021, tells that this is the wreckage of a Valentine Mk III, Second World War tank built by Vickers-Armstrong. However, although an item on Andy Beck's website, (Link

), gives that same information, further into the article doubt is cast upon the identification. There are references from the web page to a Wikipedia entry and a comment at the end by one, Dave Middlemas, giving a different origin altogether. Worth reading.

Trevor Littlewood

Moorland beyond trig point of Currack Rigg

Heather and grass moorland with rushes around the pillar and beyond to the west. Loups's Hill is in the distance left of centre, with Goldsborough further away, partly concealed by a block of trees.

Trevor Littlewood

Road rising from North Gill Bridge

The bridge itself is out of view but part of the eastern parapet can be seen. The road continues northwards towards the village at Cotherstone.

Trevor Littlewood

Grassy track beside wall climbing from stream crossing

The track is presumably in use by the nearby farm at Battle Hill. A public footpath follows the line of the wall soon to enter an MOD training area, also named Battle Hill. Apparently, the name Battle Hill was in place before the MOD began to use of the land and the naming is coincidental.

Trevor Littlewood

Damaged Scots pine tree in enclosure

A recently fallen branch lies on the ground beside the tree which is the same one pictured in an earlier image - Link . The bough was presumably torn from the tree by wind, very likely during one of the violent storms of winter 2021 / 2022.

Trevor Littlewood

Field barn near Low Crag farm

Metal framed with corrugated metal sides.

Gordon Hatton

Small valley above Washfold Bridge

Gill Beck flowing east down a small valley.

Gordon Hatton

Fearless sheep

Happy to munch their way through the grasses on the MOD Battle Hill small arms range.

Gordon Hatton

Sheep country

Grazing land to the east of the road from Cotherstone to Bowes.

Gordon Hatton

Cattle above North Gill

The area between Lartington and the moor edge is mostly given over to livestock production. My guess is that altitude, climate and soil conditions prevent this being a cereal growing area.

Gordon Hatton

Track on to the moor

Track and public footpath heading up North Gill into access land that runs for many miles westwards.

Gordon Hatton

Path across the moor

No obvious line through rough grassland and heather here. The path is heading into open access land from the Cotherstone to Bowes road.

Gordon Hatton

Road to Cotherstone

Looking north-east with open access land to the left and enclosed fields to the right.

Gordon Hatton

The Butter Stone

A natural rock, most likely an erratic, sat near the edge of the moor above Cotherstone. As other contributors have said, this was a place where money was left for food supplies during times of plague.

Gordon Hatton