Monument record 1447 - Hanoverian Stone Circle

Stone circle. Described as a 'Druidical Circle'. A modern structure, probably built in the Hanoverian period (1). In 1810 described as originally possibly 22 stones, placed side by side in a circle. 3 spaces in the circle, possibly original gaps. 13 stones stood upright & 7 were recumbant. On the E side, one stone was raised higher than the others. On the opposite side of the circle was the 'altar or place of oration', formed by 3 stones with a capstone (2). In 1977 circle reported to be formed of 12 or possibly 14 stones (3). OS give grid ref. SJ 8607 7788, but maps in refs 4 & 5 show circle located at SJ 8603 7775 (1).
According to (6), this is a stone circle comprising of 8 - 9 stones of varying sizes, most of them recumbent and not inset into the ground. At least one of the stones has been moved, now lying by the footpath running below the western edge of the circle. All the boulders seem to be of local conglomerate, two of which seem to have been quarried, transported and re-used at the circle. Most of the stones are covered in carved graffiti, including some cabbalic signs that are associated with the circles use particularly since the 1960's.The circle appears to be a folly built in the first half of the 19th century possibly as a picnicing site for Henry Stanley and his wife Fabia (or by A. Garner at the request of the Stanleys).
In 1843, Louisa Stanley described it as follows: “On the road between Stormy Point and the Beacon, is a circle of stones placed in the form of a Cromlech or Druidical circle. An author, who was writing some account of Cheshire, put down in his book these stones as real remains of antiquity, and was far from being well pleased when be was undeceived.” (7).

<1> Ordnance Survey, 1870-1982, Ordnance Survey Archaeological Record Card, SJ87NE 2.6/1962 (Index). SCH2487.

<2> Marriott W, 1810, The Antiquities of Lyme and its Vicinity, /200-202 (Book). SCH3026.

<3> Longley D, 1977-1978, Longley Archive, /no.115 (Paper Archive). SCH2005.

<4> Lancashire & Cheshire Antiquarian Society, 1883 -, Transactions of the Lancashire & Cheshire Antiquarian Society, 19/opp. 77 Roeder C 1901 (Journal/Periodical). SCH3293.

<5> Lancashire & Cheshire Antiquarian Society, 1883 -, Transactions of the Lancashire & Cheshire Antiquarian Society, 23/map opp. 17 Roeder C & Graves F S 1905 (Journal/Periodical). SCH3293.

<6> 1998, Alderley Edge Landscape Project Archive (Unpublished Report). SCH4334.

<7> Dibben, Nigel, 2006, Personal Communiication (Written Communication). SCH4768.