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The Megalithic Portal and Megalith Map : Index >>
Stones Forum >> Sourton Stone Circle
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| Author |
Sourton Stone Circle |
Balgorg
Joined:
27-08-2007
Messages: 7
from Tavistock
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|  Posted 27-08-2007 at 11:42
Last year I completed a survey of the little known stone circle at Sourton near to Oakhampton, Devon. It is composed of about 30 fallen stones in an 'egg-shape'. What particularly caught my eye was a rough stone just to the north of the ring (I will have to post a photo at some point). I looks like a recumbent stone like those in Aberdeenshire. It has two fallen flankers next to it. Infront of the 'Recumbent' is a large flat slab set into the ground, at what must be the original ground surface. Only part of this paving is visable, but probing with a metal bayonette reveals its extent. The part of the stone circle that lies adjacent to this is also of great interest to me. Probing with a bayonette reveals that at this point there are a 5 large stones all fallen that were originally set very close together. Their tops are visable, but probing reveals their positions more clearly. The plan i produced for this feature, would suggest that it was once perhaps the most elaborate of entrances. With a large flat slab set across it like a blocking stone, or perhaps a cove. Its all very convincing and i wonder how it could have been missed for so long? The combination of an entrance, a cove like setting, and a recumbent with flankers must surely raise some interesting questions. In line with the above features is another flat slab composed of a shiny black metamorphosised rock. This to is set like the 'recumbent' at right angles to the line. Further still and visible from the circle is a small barrow which has one single flat slab remaining, again in line with the others.
The Sourton ring is little known, and does not appear on any maps of the area. It was once however a fantastic ring, which fortunitely has escaped the hands of the restorer.
I would be most interested to know if anyone else shares my opinion regarding the unusual features mentioned above. Clearly the Sourton ring could have a facinating relevance regarding the cove like blocking slabs found at the end of some of Dartmoors double stone rows.
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TheCaptain
Joined:
30-10-2003
Messages: 1483
from near Bristol
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| Posted 27-08-2007 at 13:23
funny you should post this today, as only yesterday I passed through Sourton, and stopped to take a picture of the Saxon cross, and while there, took a look at the village map, with selected walks and items of interest. I was amazed to see that although a there was a mention of various cairns up on the moors, no mention at all was made of the village's own stone circle. I'd have thought it should be their prize item.
It's a circle I have only spent a short time at, in bad weather, while out walking with friends, so I couldn't spend long there having a detailed look, so can't comment on your suggested finds.
I have just had a look in the Butler books (vol2), and strange to find not much mention of the circle in their either, most have a fairly full description and a plan diagram.
One to visit again sometime....... but there are still plenty I have not visited once yet...... I got Langstone Moor circle for the first time yesterday. Poor old thing, suffering from all that American "friendly fire".
By the way, have you ever tried looking for the stone circle on the sides of Cosdon Hill ? See my previous forum entry
http://www.megalithic.info/modules.php?op=modload&name=Forum&file=viewtopic&topic=396&forum=1
I am sure I found something there, at SX63449264, and perhaps it is the remains of Eight Rocks.....
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TheCaptain
Joined:
30-10-2003
Messages: 1483
from near Bristol
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| Posted 27-08-2007 at 13:42
I assume you are well aquainted with the English Heritage description of the Sourton circle and surrounding area. http://www.magic.gov.uk/rsm/24060.pdf
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Balgorg
Joined:
27-08-2007
Messages: 7
from Tavistock
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| Posted 27-08-2007 at 16:09
Thanx for the reply. Just read your other posts regarding your own discovery. Ill certainly check it out if i get the chance to. The South Moor is my main haunt so it would be nice to have a look elsewhere.
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Balgorg
Joined:
27-08-2007
Messages: 7
from Tavistock
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| Posted 31-08-2007 at 15:28
Just forwarded a picture of the fallen setting and possible recumbent stone, found on the Sourton page on this website. Would be very interested to hear from anyones opinions on this.
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