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A New Dimension to Ancient Measures - from many years of research and fieldwork

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<< Our Photo Pages >> Hamer Hill - Stone Circle in England in Greater Manchester

Submitted by Andy B on Thursday, 17 April 2008  Page Views: 31816

Neolithic and Bronze AgeSite Name: Hamer Hill Alternative Name: Rochdale's Stonehenge
Country: England County: Greater Manchester Type: Stone Circle
Nearest Town: Rochdale
Map Ref: SD863184
Latitude: 53.661904N  Longitude: 2.208795W
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.
 no data 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.
 no data 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
 3

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Hamer Hill
Hamer Hill submitted by Andy B : Stuart Mendelsohn writes: Here is a picture of one of the stones, It was taken by my girlfriend during a visit to the site in March, with Peter Iles. (Vote or comment on this photo)
Possible Stone Circle in Greater Manchester. Rochdale's Stonehenge? Archaeologists claim to have unearthed a "mini-Stonehenge"... on the moors of Rochdale. The two nearby sites - an oval made up of collapsed slabs, and a 30-metre circle of rounded stones - are believed to be ancient burial sites dating back as far as 5,000 years. They were spotted by archaeologist Stuart Mendelsohn during a walk on the hills in December and could now become a major tourist attraction.

"I suppose you could describe it as Rochdale's version of Stonehenge," [Groan - MegP Ed] said Mr Mendelson, 52, who is based in Sweden but originally from Middleton. "It would have been a sacred site and what we've found so far I feel will be the tip of the iceberg.

"It was very unexpected and I didn't believe it at first. I just can't believe that it's been missed by everyone.

"The stones are not arranged randomly and it's quite clear to see.

"For our area and beyond, it's very significant. We've found two burial mounds. The stones may represent particular lunar events in the calendar. I think it would have been a focal point for the whole community."

The two sites have been visited by Peter Iles, a leading archaeological expert from Lancashire County Council. They have also been inspected by English Heritage and entered on the official Greater Manchester archaeology database.

English Heritage described both as "fairly well preserved" and claim both are "possible of Bronze age date" - meaning they could date back to 3,000 BC.

Unlike the famous monument at Stonehenge, however, they are believed to be made of local materials.

The first site, made up of fallen stones, is 10.2m in overall diameter.. The second, which includes the circle, is on the western slope and - according to an English Heritage report - "seems to have been sited to be visible from some distance to the west, rather than the valley floor".

The report adds that both finds "probably represent Bronze Age burial monuments."

Around 20 stones have been uncovered it total - the largest being 1.5m tall - and the entire site covers an acre.

"It's great news for Rochdale," said Mr Mendelsohn. "Prehistoric flints have been found in Littleborough, but as far as I'm aware, this is the first significant discovery in the town.

"I don't know why that site was chosen originally but it has fantastic views of Rochdale and was fairly close to where people lived.

"It's a great site and we really need to get it protected and preserved."

Norman Redhead, the Greater Manchester county archaeologist, said he planned to visit the site in the next few weeks.

Source: Manchester Evening News and see also the Rochdale Observer for images.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Location is not currently known by us so the grid ref given is an educated guess. Please let us know the location of this site so we can update our map.

Note: Exclusive photo of one of the stones, thanks to Stuart Mendelsohn
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Hamer Hill
Hamer Hill submitted by dodomad : From 18th Feb 2009: Stuart Mendelsohn writes: The site at Hamer Hill Rochdale has been confirmed as neither quarrying nor mining by Richard Crofts of the British Geological Survey. The stone at the site is not from the local Haslingden Flags and therefore must have been brought to the site by human or other means. Richard Crofts did not see the stones as being placed there by natural geological pr... (Vote or comment on this photo)

Do not use the above information on other web sites or publications without permission of the contributor.

Nearby Images from Geograph Britain and Ireland:
SD8618 : End of Bridleway by Kevin Waterhouse
by Kevin Waterhouse
©2022(licence)
SD8618 : Rooley Moor, west of Whitworth by michael ely
by michael ely
©2006(licence)
SD8618 : Ruins of Higher Bagden by John Slater
by John Slater
©2015(licence)
SD8618 : Vaccary Walling above Bagden Quarry by John H Darch
by John H Darch
©2013(licence)
SD8618 : Approaching Meadows by Kevin Waterhouse
by Kevin Waterhouse
©2022(licence)

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Nearby sites listing. In the following links * = Image available
 2.5km S 178° Hunger Hill Cairn* Cairn (SD864159)
 2.7km SSE 153° Lowe Dunishbooth Promontory Fort / Cliff Castle (SD8756115960)
 2.8km SSE 148° Lower Dunishbooth Promontory Fort / Cliff Castle (SD8779616025)
 3.6km WNW 289° Waugh's Well (Edenfield) Holy Well or Sacred Spring (SD82871957)
 4.6km SW 221° Wind Hill Cheesden* Round Barrow(s) (SD8326214945)
 4.7km N 7° Bacup Natural History Society Museum* Museum (SD869231)
 4.8km ENE 68° Hades Hill Cairn (SD908202)
 5.3km NNE 14° Wyrd of Stake Moss* Modern Stone Circle etc (SD876235)
 5.9km NNE 25° Tooter Hill (Bacup)* Ancient Village or Settlement (SD888237)
 5.9km N 1° Broadclough Dykes, Bacup, Lancashire* Misc. Earthwork (SD864243)
 6.2km WSW 250° Whitelow* Cairn (SD80501626)
 6.3km SSE 148° Broadfield Park Glacial Boulder* Natural Stone / Erratic / Other Natural Feature (SD896130)
 6.7km SW 219° Walmersley Golf Club stone* Modern Stone Circle etc (SD82011319)
 6.9km SSW 211° Castle Hill, Heywood Hillfort (SD827125)
 8.1km NE 50° Stones monoliths, Todmorden* Standing Stones (SD92522359)
 8.5km W 278° Robin Hood's Well, Haslingden* Holy Well or Sacred Spring (SD77861954)
 8.6km SW 230° Castlesteads (Walmersley)* Hillfort (SD797129)
 8.7km E 90° Snoddle Hill Cairn (SD950183)
 9.1km ENE 67° Basin Stone* Rock Art (SD9472921990)
 9.3km NE 49° Holy Well (Todmorden)* Holy Well or Sacred Spring (SD9339324411)
 9.3km N 6° Thieveley (Holme Chapel) Cairn (SD873277)
 9.5km SE 127° Tunshill Tolmen* Holed Stone (SD939127)
 9.6km ENE 67° Gaddings Dam Rock Art (SD9514022123)
 9.8km E 83° Light Hazzles Edge Rock Art (SD9605619575)
 10.0km WSW 249° Whippalow Hill* Barrow Cemetery (SD76921477)
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"Hamer Hill" | Login/Create an Account | 16 News and Comments
  
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Re: Rochdale's Stonehenge by Sunny100 on Thursday, 31 August 2017
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But despite that sad news regarding the Rochdale Stonehenge on Hamer Hill, the stone in Andy's photo (top of the site page) looks to be a cup and ring marked stone, so maybe there are a few ancient stones up there on the moor above Rochdale - I would like to think there are.
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Re: Hamer Hill by Anne T on Thursday, 31 August 2017
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Update August 2017: According to Pastscape, Pastscape Monument No. 1548247,
"In November 2009, English Heritage carried out a rapid analytical field survey at Level 1 of the environs of an alleged prehistoric stone circle and stone row on Hamer Moor, both of which were eventually interpreted as being of natural origin. A number of unrecorded assets were noted in the process. An area of surface extractive pits with abundant wedge-marks and associated dressing floors, evidently for making the stone 'sets' used to surface the nearby road to Ding Quarry (and more widely in Rochdale town centre). The surface scatter comprises debitage and some finished sets; waste material is built into the nearby drystone walls, which suggests an earlier 19th-century date for the quarrying." Disappointing, as it would have been nice for Rochdale to have had a second Stonehenge!
[ Reply to This ]

Re: Rochdale's Stonehenge by Anonymous on Tuesday, 20 June 2017
so is there a do there this week with it being solstice
n all that?
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Re: Rochdale's Stonehenge by Anonymous on Monday, 11 May 2015
This might be a silly question but I remember reading an article, possibly in the MEN, about a stone circle being discovered in the Manchester area but IIRC it was found during some kind of construction work and the site was to be kept a secret until it had been investigated further. I guessed that it was up on Scout Moor somewhere as they were expanding the wind farm at the time I think.

I can't find any further info though. I don't think I've misremembered. Anyone know if it might be a separate site or is it just this one but the details have changed or been misreported?
[ Reply to This ]
    Re: Rochdale's Stonehenge by Sunny100 on Wednesday, 13 May 2015
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    No its not a 'silly question' at all because I remember the articles on here, and other web sites pertaining to the Rochdale Stone Circle, which I think was up Rooley Moor? Since then I have never heard anything more about it. I think a collection of stones had been discovered on the moors, above the town, although not a great deal to see now but, at that time being referred to by some as: Rochdale's Stonehenge. I know the town and its surroundings quite well, but at the time I was very surprised by this find !
    [ Reply to This ]

Re: Rochdale's Stonehenge by jmz01 on Thursday, 28 November 2013
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Has this story gone any further?

Was there ever any validation of the site?


I'd be intrigued to know as I used to wander Rooley Moor as a kid looking for stuff, I was always sure there was something up there.
Yet being from the otherside of the Moor I would probably call it Stacksteads' or Bacup's Stonehenge!

[ Reply to This ]
    Re: Rochdale's Stonehenge by Sunny100 on Thursday, 28 November 2013
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    jmz01 I have not heard anything further with regard to the so called Rochdale stone circle on Rooley Moor, but Bacup is an interesting place. Have you been up to see the ancient dykes thought to date from the 9th century AD. I took some photos a couple of years ago. Still don't quite know what to make of it. There are one or two prehistoris sites in the Whitworth area too.
    [ Reply to This ]
      Re: Rochdale's Stonehenge by jmz01 on Thursday, 28 November 2013
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      Broadclough Dykes, where an ancient battle apparently took plce?

      If so yes, a childhood friend used to live nearby.


      Some fascinating ancient road systems pass through Rossendale, Bacup and environs ...I'm sure this must have brought many people to the area and I'm convinced there was probably much more artefacts in the area before all the industry and quarrying took place.

      I must get back up on that moor and take a proper look, i used to spend days up there when I didnt fancy going to school and saw many intriguing things yet my interest hadn't really fully formed then, must revisit soon.
      [ Reply to This ]
      Re: Rochdale's Stonehenge by Sunny100 on Friday, 29 November 2013
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      Yes indeed Broadclough Dykes. Interesting place. I don't think we have the site on here, do we?
      [ Reply to This ]

Re: Hamer Hill by Anonymous on Tuesday, 14 July 2009
I really would like to see this but seem to be going round in circles.
Russ Hamer
rpriv-it@yahoo.co.uk
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Re: 'Rochdale's Stonehenge' Name TBA by aknifethatfellfromthesky on Sunday, 26 October 2008
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the grid reference is 863 184 east of hamer hill about 15 feet from the stone wall...EASY!
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Re: 'Rochdale's Stonehenge' Name TBA by Anonymous on Monday, 19 May 2008
had a trip up to bagden hillocks armed with some clues gleaned from a number a sources. walked right onto the site in the photo. having visited a number a bronze age circles im pretty certain that we have another here. there are two stones which appear crudely shaped and very unlike the natural boulders that can be seen in the next field to the east. the biggest stone appears to be an erratic chosen for its unusual shape. there are a number of other prostrate stones in a crude circle and on first seeing it i immediately thought it may be a concentric much like the druids circle near ulveston. i did a quick search for the second site mentioned but found nothing. you can email me at aknifethatfell@live.co.uk

happy hunting, dean x
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Magic and mystery tour by Andy B on Monday, 05 May 2008
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AFTER a month of waiting and wondering, the mystery of the stone circle has finally been captured on camera.

I have just been treated to an exclusive guided tour of the moors north of Rochdale by Stuart Mendelsohn, the archaeologist who believes he has discovered a stone circle as old as Stonehenge [cliche-induced yawn - MegP Ed].

We have been asked not to reveal the exact location of the stone circle until Greater Manchester’s county archaeologist visits the site, hopefully later this month, to investigate Mr Mendelsohn’s theory.

The Sweden-based archaeologist made a special trip to the Observer offices for a chat and then took me to the site to see for myself just what all the fuss is about.

More, including a message from one Michael Newark, a member of the "Megalithic Portals" website, but no photos at
http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk/news/s/1047424_magic_and_mystery_tour
[ Reply to This ]

Re: Rochdale's Stonehenge by Anonymous on Thursday, 17 April 2008
Rochdale for my money has a rich history of ancient sites, looking on Google Earth, any number of sites exist both to the west and north of Rochdale. And some along the Rooley Road to the north date as old as many from the West Coast Of Scotland in my opinion.But then Im just a dowser, so who would believe me anyway, but like the man said, find one and you will find MORE.Good luck in the search friend, the stone circles may no longer stand tall, but the energies remain proud still...mmike.
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Re: Rochdale's Stonehenge by Andy B on Tuesday, 15 April 2008
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We have a forum thread about this site:
http://www.megalithic.co.uk/modules.php?op=modload&name=Forum&file=viewtopic&topic=2866&forum=1&start=0
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Re: Rochdale's Stonehenge by Andy B on Tuesday, 15 April 2008
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Timeless landscape

With storm clouds swirling around the bleak moors north of Rochdale, it’s easy to imagine how the area must have looked five thousand years ago. Exactly the same, probably.

Last month the Rochdale Observer revealed that Swedish-based archaeologist Stuart Mendelsohn had discovered a stone circle that he believes is as old as Stonehenge.

The Observer has been asked not to reveal the exact location of the stone circle until Greater Manchester’s county archaeologist visits the site later this month to investigate Mr Mendelsohn’s theory.

As we did our own investigations into the area, photographer Sean Hansford snapped these stunning images around the site giving a glimpse of what a foreboding and magical landscape still remains. (see link below for images)

Now English Heritage has confirmed that the area was of Bronze Age significance and that there were two cairns in the area that probably date from the same period as Stonehenge.

The English Heritage surveyor stated: "Both are typical of cairns found in considerable numbers in what are today moorland environments, and probably represent Bronze Age burial monuments."

The Bronze Age was the period from 3,000BC to 700BC when metal first began to be widely used in Britain.

Middleton-born Mendelsohn, 52, estimates 20 stones in a precise arrangement marked a sacred site to the people of prehistoric Rochdale.

He told the Observer "I suppose you could describe it as Rochdale’s version of Stonehenge. It would have been a sacred site and what we’ve found so far I feel will be the tip of the iceberg."

He said: "It would be great to develop the area as a tourist attraction. Often when you find one site, you find many more. It’s very exciting and shows that Rochdale has a lot more history and heritage than people think.

"If this was anywhere else in the country, it’d already be a tourist attraction."

A cairn, like the type found near Mendelsohn’s stone circle is an artificial pile of stones, often in a conical form. They are usually found in uplands, on moorland, on mountaintops or near waterways.

http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk/news/s/1045029_timeless_landscape
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