Show on map This cast iron water hydrant dates from 1899.
The broken top allows the mechanism to be seen.
The makers plate read “J Blakeborough & Sons Manufacturers Brighouse England”
These were installed when the village water supply was introduced by Firth of Scarborough.
Show on map Old Wives Well would once have stood on open moors, but it now hidden in the woods a short distance from the roadside. The name ‘Old Wife’ may imply a prehistoric origin to the site, a Roman Road also runs nearby.
The words “NATTIE FONTEIN” are carved into the well, and there are many suggestions as to its meaning, the most commonly quoted is a corruption of ‘Fons Natalis’ a celtic water nymph.
The site clearly still carries meaning for some as there ribbons in the trees all around, making this a Clootie well. Whatever your opinion the site certainly has a lot of history, even if its true origins are unclear.
See The Smell of Water for some more detailed research on the site.
Show on map Mauley Cross stands on the Brown Howe Road, which is now within Cropton forest.
It is said to mark the boundary of the lands of the de Mauley family of Mulgrave Castle.
Show on map Glaisdale Station was originally known as ‘Beggars Bridge‘ and opened in 1865
Station masters were allowed to operate a coal business, providing to the local area. Often making more money from this than their actual job.
Coal was dropped in from the railway line above, this example being restored in 1986.
Show on map Other sources seem to suggest there is no surviving evidence of the medieval Castleton castle other than the mound it once stood one.
I’m sure an architectural historian could point out the error of my ways immedaitely, but i’ve always though this door lintel adjacent to the site looks like its re-used from something much older.
Show on map Hart Leap stones are supposed to mark the impressive ‘death leap’ of a deer/stag in a hunt.
The stones are 42 feet apart.
Show on map This stone high on the moor carries the carving “Rokan Ston”
One explanation i’ve seen is that Roke means fog and it was a guide, but how you would be able to see this in fog is beyond me.
Show on map An interesting stone with inscriptions on all four faces, it is said to be medieval cross reused as a guidestone.
Whitby Road
Kirby Road (presumable Kirkby Moorside)
Peathill Road (to the south-west)
Glasdale Road (Glaisdale)
Thomas Harwood
D:1735.
Show on map Grey Mare Stone is a natural boulder that has been used as a boundary marker for many centuries. Although I didn’t spot any particular resemblance in shape to a horse.
There are a whole series of dates carved into the rock, 1745, 1774, 1735 RC / RG, 1713, 1799, 1821, 1844 and a much more recent 1979.
There’s also an “Egton” with a backward N
Many of the dates recorded at the same as Swarth Howe Cross which must mark periods of “beating the bounds“