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Stone Worlds: Narrative and Reflexivity in Landscape Archaeology

Stone Worlds: Narrative and Reflexivity in Landscape Archaeology

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<< Our Photo Pages >> Nine Stones Close - Stone Circle in England in Derbyshire

Submitted by Andy B on Saturday, 15 July 2023  Page Views: 48425

Neolithic and Bronze AgeSite Name: Nine Stones Close Alternative Name: The Grey Ladies, Nine Stone Close
Country: England County: Derbyshire Type: Stone Circle
Nearest Town: Bakewell  Nearest Village: Birchover
Map Ref: SK2253762643  Landranger Map Number: 119
Latitude: 53.160440N  Longitude: 1.664394W
Condition:
5Perfect
4Almost Perfect
3Reasonable but with some damage
2Ruined but still recognisable as an ancient site
1Pretty much destroyed, possibly visible as crop marks
0No data.
-1Completely destroyed
 3 Ambience:
5Superb
4Good
3Ordinary
2Not Good
1Awful
0No data.
 4 Access:
5Can be driven to, probably with disabled access
4Short walk on a footpath
3Requiring a bit more of a walk
2A long walk
1In the middle of nowhere, a nightmare to find
0No data.
 5 Accuracy:
5co-ordinates taken by GPS or official recorded co-ordinates
4co-ordinates scaled from a detailed map
3co-ordinates scaled from a bad map
2co-ordinates of the nearest village
1co-ordinates of the nearest town
0no data
 5

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I have visited· I would like to visit

underhill Mountainharry whese001 coldrum 43559959 would like to visit

TheCaptain visited on 13th Sep 2025 - their rating: Cond: 4 Amb: 4 Access: 4 Proceding towards Bakewell, and decide I have time to go for a walk to Nine Stones Close and Robin Hoods Stride. Its all busy round here with lots of people out walking and climbing. There is plenty of room to park beside the little road from Alport to Elton, leaving a short walk across fields to the circle. Its a lovely place, with its four large stones standing under a tree. I can see that there are two additional large standing stones nearby, one acting as a gatepost to the south which is clearly ancient due to the rivulets. There is also another in the wall up to the north, a couple of fields away, which I do not go and have a proper look at.

Acb90 visited on 1st Jan 2025 - their rating: Cond: 4 Amb: 5 Access: 3

rvbaker2003 visited on 24th Dec 2024 - their rating: Cond: 3 Amb: 4 Access: 4

Couplands visited on 11th Jun 2023 - their rating: Cond: 3 Amb: 4 Access: 4

stretchyboy visited on 21st Jun 2020 - their rating: Cond: 3 Amb: 4 Access: 3 Not far to walk but no footpath there.

elad13 visited on 30th May 2020 - their rating: Cond: 3 Amb: 4 Access: 4 i found what is said to possibly be one of the stones in a wall, I also found another stone in a gateway that looks very similar to the other stones in the circle

Marko visited on 21st Mar 2020 - their rating: Cond: 3 Amb: 5 Access: 4

emerald visited on 1st Jan 2019 - their rating: Cond: 3 Amb: 4 Access: 3

NickyD visited on 1st Oct 2014 - their rating: Cond: 3 Amb: 3 Access: 3

k8marieuk visited on 31st Mar 2013 - their rating: Cond: 4 Amb: 5 Access: 3

lscollinson visited on 6th Jan 2010 - their rating: Cond: 2 Amb: 4 Access: 4 The tallest standing stones in Derbyshire. A stone that was once part of the circle now stands in a nearby stone wall.

BolshieBoris visited on 1st Jan 1984 - their rating: Cond: 3 Amb: 4 Access: 4

shawid visited on 1st Jan 0008 - their rating: Cond: 3 Amb: 4 Access: 4

shawid visited on 1st Jan 0008 - their rating: Cond: 3 Amb: 4 Access: 4

Gorient visited on 1st Jan 0007 - their rating: Cond: 3 Amb: 3 Access: 4

jeniferj visited - their rating: Cond: 4 Amb: 4 Access: 3

Shalaa visited - their rating: Cond: 3 Amb: 4 Access: 3

elad13 visited - their rating: Cond: 2 Amb: 4 Access: 3

mark_a Humbucker Bladup chester1960 rldixon AngieLake nicoladidsbury TimPrevett Catrinm MartinRS Wazza12 have visited here

Average ratings for this site from all visit loggers: Condition: 3.11 Ambience: 4.06 Access: 3.56

Nine Stones Close
Nine Stones Close submitted by postman : Zoomed stones and stride (Vote or comment on this photo)
Stone Circle in Derbyshire. Only four stones remain of what once was a 45-foot circle of stones. The stones are the tallest in Derbyshire, ranging from 1.2m (4 feet) to 2.1m (7 feet) in height, this tallest being located at the southern end of the circle.

Prior to its re-erection in 1936, the 2.1m (7-foot) stone was measured at 3.5m (11 feet 6 inches) long. Both it and its northern partner are set in concrete. The location of the stones is a pleasant one, and is also known as the ‘Grey Ladies’ , so called because they are supposed to represent ladies who dance at midnight. In the background, to the south-south-west, rise the irregular crags of Robin Hood’s Stride, up from which the major southern Moon sets. This might account for the siting of the circle.

Access: Can be seen from the road from Elton to Alport.

Page originally by Tom Bullock
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Nine Stones Close
Nine Stones Close submitted by stu : The southern stones of 9 Stone Close on Harthill Moor. 5am 21st June (5 comments - Vote or comment on this photo)

nine stones close
nine stones close submitted by rldixon : nine stones close in black and white (2 comments - Vote or comment on this photo)

nine stones close
nine stones close submitted by rldixon : nine stone close taken in infra red (2 comments - Vote or comment on this photo)

Nine Stones Close
Nine Stones Close submitted by rldixon : The stone in the foreground is the stone in the field wall which is said to have been part of the circle at some time past taken 24-3-2011 (3 comments - Vote or comment on this photo)

Nine Stones Close
Nine Stones Close submitted by rldixon : nine stone close taken march 2008 (1 comment - Vote or comment on this photo)

Nine Stones Close
Nine Stones Close submitted by nicoladidsbury : This shot captured the spirit of Nine Stone for me. The stones literally seemed to glow as the sun was setting. I was enraptured..... (4 comments)

Nine Stones Close
Nine Stones Close submitted by funsize : Seen from the south with just a hint of sunshine illuminating the frozen landscape around the stones. The guardian oak tree is the perfect companion to the last remaining stones of what was once a much larger monument. (3 comments)

Nine Stones Close
Nine Stones Close submitted by MikeBrockhurst : Nine Ladies Stone Circle on a misty morning. (1 comment)

Nine Stones Close
Nine Stones Close submitted by chester1960 : Nine Stones Close. Taken on 09 September 2010 (2 comments)

Nine Stones Close
Nine Stones Close submitted by k8marieuk : 31 March 2013

Nine Stones Close
Nine Stones Close submitted by TerryStaniforth : Nine Stones Close. Looking towards Robin Hoods stride in Derbyshire. My second visit here and it still feels a magical place. We found several other large stones in and around the walls of the surrounding fields. It seems likely that these are from the original circle. But how and why were they moved and was the original circle disturbed or rebuilt into the present 4 stone square circle. (2 comments)

Nine Stones Close
Nine Stones Close submitted by vicky : Nine Stones Close circle A view of the circle taken from Robin Hood’s Stride. The relocated upright can be seen in the drystone wall in the foreground. (1 comment)

Nine Stones Close
Nine Stones Close submitted by NickyD : I managed to get the angle just right to block out the old trailer! Image copyright: stonesearcher, hosted on Flickr and displayed under the terms of their API. (2 comments)

Nine Stones Close
Nine Stones Close submitted by Midori_no_Saru : The Grey Ladies facing north, towards Bakewell, September 2008. An army of ramblers was marching past without giving it a second glance. I'm left wondering what people these stones have seen in the last 4500 years, and what empires have come and gone in the time they have stood. Taken with Kiev 6c camera, Carl Zeiss Jena Flektogon 50mm f/4 lens. Adox CHS100 film, developed in D76. (1 comment)

Nine Stones close
Nine Stones close submitted by anonymous : (2 comments)

Nine Stones Close
Nine Stones Close submitted by PaulM : General view of Nine Stones Close stone circle (Derbyshire) (3 comments)

Nine Stones Close
Nine Stones Close submitted by royston7 : Nine Stones Close stone circle, 4 of the 5 remaining stones (1 comment)

Nine Stones Close
Nine Stones Close submitted by rldixon : Taken 24-7-2012 with a pinhole lens

Nine Stones Close
Nine Stones Close submitted by rldixon : Taken 24 -7 2012 with a pinhole lens (2 comments)

Nine Stones Close
Nine Stones Close submitted by chester1960 : A view, looking north, of Nine Ladies Close stone circle near Birchover. Taken on 03 March 2011.

Nine Stones Close
Nine Stones Close submitted by Briton : Looking south , in the distance is "Robin Hoods Stride" - not an ancient site as such but highly evocative nonetheless.

Nine Stones Close
Nine Stones Close submitted by rldixon : Nine Stones close. Taken 19 Aug 2010.

Nine Stones Close
Nine Stones Close submitted by rldixon : Nine stones close taken in Infra Red 19 th Aug 2010

Nine Stones Close
Nine Stones Close submitted by rldixon : Two of the stones Nine stones close taken in Infra red 19 aug 2010

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Megalithic Mysteries by Andy Burnham

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Alastair's Derbyshire Stone Circle Pages by Alastair McIvor
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Nearby sites listing. In the following links * = Image available
 197m N 1° Nine Stones Cup Mark (Harthill) Rock Art (SK22546284)
 217m N 4° Harthill Cairn* Cairn (SK22556286)
 265m S 173° Robin Hoods Settlement* Ancient Village or Settlement (SK22576238)
 316m SE 140° Cratcliff Rocks* Hillfort (SK22746240)
 376m SSW 195° Robin Hood's Stride* Rock Outcrop (SK22446228)
 398m S 190° Robin Hood's Stride* Rock Art (SK22476225)
 463m WNW 290° Castle Ring (Derbyshire)* Hillfort (SK221628)
 657m SSW 192° Dudwood* Stone Circle (SK224620)
 893m SE 131° Rockingstone Farm* Rock Outcrop (SK2322062065)
 1.1km ESE 116° Rowtor Rocks* Rock Art (SK23556215)
 1.2km ESE 118° St Michael’s Church (Birchover)* Carving (SK23576210)
 1.2km ESE 117° The Megalithic Portal Live in the Derbyshire Peak District Natural Stone / Erratic / Other Natural Feature (SK236621)
 1.3km E 80° Doll Tor* Stone Circle (SK2383062873)
 1.5km ENE 77° Andle Stone (Stanton Moor)* Natural Stone / Erratic / Other Natural Feature (SK2403162993)
 1.8km E 85° Stanton Moor Cairn T14* Cairn (SK24306281)
 1.8km E 82° Stanton Moor Cairn T13* Round Cairn (SK243629)
 1.8km E 86° Cork Stone* Natural Stone / Erratic / Other Natural Feature (SK2434662788)
 2.1km E 81° Stanton Moor Cairn T25* Cairn (SK24656297)
 2.1km E 86° Stanton Moor Cairn (TBC)* Cairn (SK2467562791)
 2.2km NW 323° All Saints Church (Youlgreave)* Carving (SK21206437)
 2.2km E 84° Stanton Moor 4* Ring Cairn (SK24716290)
 2.3km ENE 78° Stanton Moor Cairn T55* Round Cairn (SK24826313)
 2.3km ENE 75° Stanton Moor 3* Stone Circle (SK24806326)
 2.4km ENE 73° Stanton Moor Cairn T24* Cairn (SK24806333)
 2.4km ENE 62° Stanton Moor Cairn T2* Round Cairn (SK247638)
View more nearby sites and additional images

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Aghalane bronze age complex stone row and circle S >>

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Stonehenge: Celebration and Subversion

Stonehenge: Celebration and Subversion

Web Links for Nine Stones Close

Megalithic Mysteries by Andy Burnham

Archived Web links for Nine Stones Close

Ancient Sites Directory by Chris Tweed
Alastair's Derbyshire Stone Circle Pages by Alastair McIvor
Paul Kenyon`s Database by Paul Kenyon

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"Nine Stones Close" | Login/Create an Account | 10 News and Comments
  
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Re: Nine Stones Close by Casimir on Friday, 22 August 2025
(User Info | Send a Message)
Hi
I’ve just visited the site. Tucked away behind Robin Hoods Stride so often over looked. The stones were repositioned some years ago and at the time they’ve used concrete to bed at least one of the stones. It’s a shame as any builder would now know that you never mix concrete and gritstone. Water will erode the stones but not the concrete. Probably needs some work.

I did (I think!) find the cup stone. It’s around 100m below the stones down hilll on the top of a drystone wall. The wall is in need of repair so I just hope the farmer keeps the cup stone section visible
[ Reply to This ]

An archaeological walk around Harthill Moor, Derbyshire, Sat 22 July by Anonymous on Friday, 14 July 2023
Where the rocks begin: an archaeological walk around Harthill Moor, Derbyshire, Sat 22 July, 11:00 AM

This 5-mile walk with David Ingham from CBA East Midlands will take in a stone circle, two hillforts, a hermit's cave and the old 'Portway'. Rock art and post-medieval carvings on Rowtor Rocks can also be seen at the end of the day, with the aid of a torch.

Harthill Moor, Matlock, Derbyshire, DE4 2LZ

Limited parking space is available at the Cratcliff Parking Area, a layby on the B5056 between Alport and Winster, or park in Birchover and walk to the layby. The walk will be on minor roads, rough paths and grass, with some patches of very uneven and boulder-strewn ground, plus stiles and some moderate gradients to climb. There are no toilets on the route. Dress appropriately for the weather, and bring your own lunch. Dogs must be kept on a lead. Anyone aged under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian throughout.

Sat 22 July, 11:00 AM
Duration of event: 4 or 5 hours

Places still available, to book see:
https://www.archaeologyuk.org/festival/festival-event-listing/where-the-rocks-begin-an-archaeological-walk-around-harthill-moor-derbyshire.html
[ Reply to This ]

Re: Nine Stones Close by MikeBrockhurst on Saturday, 28 March 2015
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Trailer in centre of stone circle now stinks, being full of rotting sheep fleeces. Sacrilege.
[ Reply to This ]
    Re: Nine Stones Close by rldixon on Wednesday, 02 August 2017
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    I have uploaded photos of the Trailer taken 17 feb 2015
    is it still there ? and surly it must be breaking some law ?
    [ Reply to This ]

The Prehistoric landscape of Birchover – Sunday 22nd July 2012 by Andy B on Wednesday, 16 May 2012
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A day out with archaeologist Matthew Beresford exploring the rich prehistoric remains of the Birchover landscape

Visit the natural outcrop of Robin Hood’s Stride, stone circle at Nine Stone Close and the Medieval religious site of the Hermit’s Cave

Explore the prehistoric cemetery landscape of Stanton Moor

Visit the Nine Ladies stone circle and site of the Bronze Age cremation cemetery

Find out how many of the sites are aligned on ancient ley lines and how the area may have been an early religious focus

Enjoy the ‘de-brief’ in Birchover’s Red Lion pub and sample traditional food and real ales

Visits are priced £12.50 per person, per visit. To book a place on either session contact [email protected] or see

http://www.mbarchaeology.co.uk/2012/05/02/summer-field-visits/

[ Reply to This ]

Street View by coldrum on Wednesday, 24 March 2010
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View Larger Map
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Peak Landscape Tour with Helen Caffrey 15th July, Manchester by Andy B on Friday, 08 June 2007
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A walk by the Limestone Way to investigate the cluster of Bronze Age, Iron Age, and later sites in the Peak landscape. We shall see:

Nine Stones Close
Iron Age enclosed settlements
The Hermitage

Fee £25.00, call 0161 275 3275 for details

Sunday 15th July 2007 from 2pm - 4:30pm

http://www.manchester.ac.uk/continuingeducation
[ Reply to This ]

Re: Nine Stones Close by slumpy on Saturday, 25 June 2005
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A beautiful setting, a beautiful place - even the herd of 80 cows didn't hassle us too much !!

Has there been recent excavations around the stones ?

The ground level for 5' around each stone seems 'sunken' - is this normal ?
[ Reply to This ]

Re: Nine Stones Close by Bone_man on Monday, 28 February 2005
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My second visit here and it still feels a magical place. We found several other large stones in and around the walls of the surrounding fields. It seems likely that these are from the original circle. But how and why were they moved and was the original circle disturbed or rebuilt into the present 4 stone square circle.
[ Reply to This ]

Re: Nine Stones Close by TimPrevett on Friday, 14 November 2003
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I also have photos taken at the time of the eclipse in 1999, at Nine Stones... see here:
http://www.frogstone.net/Cafe/Prev/99SolarEclipse.html
[ Reply to This ]

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