Guide stoop, Longshaw Estate, Derbyshire. Peak District National Park
This guide stoop is dated 1709 and pre-dates the turnpike across this area which was commenced in 1758. Spelling wasn't the strongest talent of the stone mason who prepared the stone. The places named on this ancient sign post are Shafild (Sheffield), Chasterfild (Chesterfield), Hatharsich (Hathersage), Tidswel (Tideswell), Chapil in lee Frith (Chapel en le Frith). Maybe the spellings reflect how the words were pronounced in 1709, however there's a suspicion of dyslexia as the letter N's are all back to front!
It now stands in a boggy area beside a stream. There are no obvious signs of tracks in any direction, let alone to it having been at a cross roads. When the Duke of Rutland purchased the Longshaw Estate in 1826 he started making extensive improvements, including many drainage ditches which will have disturbed old features.
Since 2010 this stone has had a Companion stone pointing towards it, beside the carriageway higher up the meadow.
This part of the original Longshaw Estate is now part of the National Trust's Peak District Estate.
Guide stoop, Longshaw Estate, Derbyshire. Peak District National Park
This guide stoop is dated 1709 and pre-dates the turnpike across this area which was commenced in 1758. Spelling wasn't the strongest talent of the stone mason who prepared the stone. The places named on this ancient sign post are Shafild (Sheffield), Chasterfild (Chesterfield), Hatharsich (Hathersage), Tidswel (Tideswell), Chapil in lee Frith (Chapel en le Frith). Maybe the spellings reflect how the words were pronounced in 1709, however there's a suspicion of dyslexia as the letter N's are all back to front!
It now stands in a boggy area beside a stream. There are no obvious signs of tracks in any direction, let alone to it having been at a cross roads. When the Duke of Rutland purchased the Longshaw Estate in 1826 he started making extensive improvements, including many drainage ditches which will have disturbed old features.
Since 2010 this stone has had a Companion stone pointing towards it, beside the carriageway higher up the meadow.
This part of the original Longshaw Estate is now part of the National Trust's Peak District Estate.