Touchstone - No 024 - 1990 01

Magazine Overview

Title: Touchstone
Issue: No. 24
Date: January 1990
Publisher: Surrey Earth Mysteries Group
Focus: Earth Mysteries, Ley Lines, Folklore, Archaeology

NORTHERN MOOT 1989

The issue begins with a report on the Northern Moot 1989, held in Scarborough. Rob Wilson introduced the moot, noting it was the group's tenth anniversary year and that they had the longest-running local earth mysteries magazine, covering a large area. Philip Heselton spoke about the group's activities over the past decade, referencing the earlier and longer-running Alfred Watkins' Straight Track Club, which lasted over twenty years from 1926. Photographs of this club visiting Stonehenge were shown. The report mentions that after the Straight Track Club disbanded, the next major ley hunters' meeting was in Hereford in 1971, marking the fiftieth anniversary of the discovery of leys, organised by John Michell and Paul Screeton (editor of The Ley Hunter).

Taped messages were shared from individuals like Paul Devereux, John Billingsley, Phil Reeder, Edna Whelan, and the author, reflecting on the moot's significance. Following lunch, Edna Whelan presented on Yorkshire holy wells, co-authoring a book with Ian Taylor on the subject. She defined a holy well as a natural spring that doesn't dry up or freeze, noting that missionaries often rededicated these sites to saints. Popular names in Yorkshire include Ladywell and Helen's Well; St. Helen's name might derive from Elen, a Celtic goddess.

Holy Wells and Ancient Sites

The report details that holy wells were believed to bring healing, prophecy, or fertility, with rituals like dropping pins or hanging rags. Slides of numerous wells were shown, including the Sulphur Well at Salton (said to cure stomach trouble), the powerful spot of Lastingham, Newton Dale Well (approachable via a steep hillside path), the Old Man's Mouth near Scarborough, Ladywell on the headland, Claymore Well (associated with fairies and curing whooping cough), St. Wilfred's Well in Ripon, and Robin Hood's Well at Fountains Abbey. The research indicated that holy wells were a significant part of people's lives in the area.

Talks and Traditions

Several short talks followed. Helen Woodley's presentation (given by Rob Wilson) included slides of snow-covered sites, though the information was deemed sketchy. Simon Kingsley discussed similarities in markings on ancient stones, categorizing them into parallel grooves, hollows, and cup-marks, cautioning about stones used for target practice. A slide appeared to show a ley line across the countryside. Bob Trubshaw spoke about the hare pie scrambling and bottle kicking traditions at Hallaton, Leicestershire, describing the village's church and ancient earthwork where the scrambling takes place.

The author mentioned seeing a line from a hot air balloon flight, followed by John Hall discussing Merseyside and Wirral sites. After tea, John Barker spoke about the curiosities of Blackamore, including the North York Moors National Park.

Yorkshire Stones and Legends

Slides of various stones were presented, including the Face Stone, carved heads, and a horse head. The Nine Stones near Osmotherley and stones near Blakey Topping were shown, as were two stones incorporated into walls at Seaton Carew. John noted unusual dog behavior at some stones. Other stones included Bazedale Cross, a reused Roman altar. Ian Taylor spoke about the Giant of Penhill in Wensleydale, discussing myths and legends of giants, magical swine, and wolves. He also mentioned the ceremony of the Burning of Bartle, possibly related to the solar god Belinus, involving an effigy and ley networks. The Penhill centre featured a beacon site, and a mound called the Giant's Grave was noted. Tezzy Parlour discussed a ley from Penhill to Maiden Castle, said to be haunted by spectral pigs, and mentioned other sites like York Minster and the Devil's Arrows, highlighting astronomical significance.

Site Visits

The following day included visits to ancient sites. The author visited Scarborough Castle and its holy well, noting the exposed and elemental nature of the location, making it a suitable choice for the anniversary moot.

A day seminar: Earth Mysteries and Ecology

Daniele Hart reports on a seminar organised by the London Earth Mysteries Circle and SERA in Kingston upon Thames. Despite dreadful weather, the event proceeded. Rob Stephenson opened the seminar. Max Reid of the 'Life Style Movement' spoke about personal change and resource distribution. Chris Hall demonstrated environmental interactions, arguing for the preservation of Earth Mysteries sites. Ken Rees was scheduled to speak but was replaced by slides of Avebury presented by Rob.

Mary Caine followed with slides on her discovery of a terrestrial zodiac around Kingston upon Thames, highlighting her extensive knowledge and enthusiasm. The author expressed regret that her talk couldn't be concluded due to time constraints.

JOHN AUBREY'S SURREY

Chris Hall writes about John Aubrey, known for his work on Wiltshire, and his extensive research into Surrey. Aubrey's "The Natural History and Antiquities of the County of Surrey" was compiled as part of a larger project that was abandoned. The published work, appearing after his death in 1718, contains observations on 'antiquities' such as inscriptions, churches, healing wells, folklore, and archaeology. The article extracts items of interest for readers.

Warlingham, Caterham, and Lingfield

In Warlingham, the remains of a Roman camp are noted. Caterham has a fortification called War-Coppice, and a bourne (stream) that issues out sometimes, considered ominous. In Lingfield, a fine spring is described, which turned violet when tested with powder of galls and was believed to have medicinal properties. The inhabitants use 'Midsummer Silver' herb and have decorated the church with it.

Walton-on-Thames

In Walton-on-Thames, St. George's Hill features a camp of about twelve acres. The article mentions a fair held there on Wednesdays.

Egham and Chertsey

Egham has Prune-well Hill with a spring and trees, offering a view over Middlesex and Surrey. A medicinal spring near the pits at Trotsworth is mentioned, as is another medicinal spring for agues. Chertsey had two fairs, and remnants of its great Abbey exist. St. Anne's Chapel stood on a steep hill westwards of Chertsey, offering extensive views. A clear spring dressed with squared stone is noted near the top of the hill. A large stone on the hillside, the Devil's Stone, is believed to be unmovable and to hide treasure.

THE ANNUAL SURREY AND LONDON EARTH MYSTERIES FIELD TRIP

Rob Stephenson reports on the third joint outing, focused on Neolithic tombs in the Medway valley, Kent. The group met at SS. Peter and Paul church at Trottiscliffe, noted for its Saxon foundations incorporating sarsen stones, possibly indicating a re-use of a megalithic site. The ley runs eastwards through Coldrum Chamber Tomb, a pond, Snodland church, and ends at Burham Church. Jimmy Goddard filmed the trip with a new video camera.

Coldrum Chamber Tomb

Coldrum Chamber Tomb, located three-quarters of a mile away, is described as a rectangular mound with a central chamber. Excavations in 1910 revealed 22 skeletons. A local legend speaks of a tunnel connecting Coldrum to Trottiscliffe church.

Kat's Coty and Lower Kat's Coty

The group visited Kat's Coty, a famous long barrow monument, described by antiquarians including Samuel Pepys. It is named after Catigern, slain in battle. Local lore attributes its construction to three witches. Lower Kat's Coty, or the Countless Stones, is a circle of about twenty stones, which was intact until 1733. Both sites have faced damage and threats, including from the Channel Tunnel Rail Link.

Addington Long Barrow and Chestnuts Monument

Addington Long Barrow is cut by a country lane, with its outline and burial chamber location discernible. The Chestnuts monument consists of massive sarsen stones, measuring twelve feet by seven and a half feet, with a large facade. Excavations in 1957 revealed remains of nine cremated individuals.

NOTES AND NEWS

Ley indication?

Philip Heselton found an apparent markstone in Hardhorn, Lancashire, near a road junction, with faint indications of a line running into the distance. The author suggests viewing it from a hot-air balloon.

Lancaster stone

At an Association for Science Education meeting in Lancaster, a large stone on campus was noted. Information from Professor Andrews described it as a pinkish-grey boulder, possibly a sandstone conglomeration, approximately 60" wide and 30" long, preserved as a piece of tectonic sculpture. The author wonders if it represents subconscious siting or re-siting.

Could do better...

Paul Devereux comments on visible ley lines, Nazca-style markings, and gravity anomalies, referencing Watkins' work on Sutton Walls ley.

London meetings

Announcements for upcoming meetings of the London Earth Mysteries Circle are listed, covering topics like Sacred Geometry, Gods and Goddesses of the Earth, Natural Magic, and Electrocrystal Therapy.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Touchstone strongly emphasizes the exploration of Earth Mysteries, focusing on ley lines, ancient sites, folklore, and the historical research of figures like John Aubrey and Alfred Watkins. The magazine serves as a platform for reporting on moots, seminars, and field trips dedicated to these subjects, encouraging detailed observation and discussion of landscape features, traditions, and potential archaeological significance. The editorial stance appears to be one of enthusiastic engagement with these topics, valuing detailed research and personal experience, while also acknowledging the challenges of preservation and interpretation.