A visit to see Nine Ladies

A nearly full complement of our group - only Brian and Mike were unable to join us - set off from Sheffield in bright sunshine to our starting point in Winster. We encountered thick fog from Baslow onwards but the sun broke through as we approached Winster.

Our route today would take us through Clough Wood to Stanton Moor and the Nine Ladies Stone Circle.

We had "elevensies" at this edifice in Clough Wood. Despite much web-searching I have not been able to find out what it is - it is near to Sabin Hay and has an apple tree behind.

Dave has views on which way we should go

"Cheers"

As we climbed out of the wood towards Stanton Moor, there were spectacular views of the fog lying in the valleys

Simon finds Stuart's joke amusing but Chris has heard it before

Breathtaking!

We did not expect to see a sign for the third tee!

Eric saying grace before lunch

Lunch at the stone circle

Nine Ladies is a Bronze Age stone circle located on Stanton Moor. It stands in a large clearing in woodland. Druids and pagans occasionally celebrate summer solstice there. Legend has it that one Sunday 9 ladies and a fiddler came up to the moor to dance and for this act of sacrilege they were all turned to stone. It is part of a complex of prehistoric circles and standing stones on Stanton Moor.

The site is a popular venue for Pagan worship, particularly around the time of the solstices. The Pagan worshippers at the site are not a unified body and so tensions exist. Some Pagans may leave offerings in the circle, but other druids regard it as litter.

There are nine upright stones which sit in a rough circle with a gap at the south side of the circle; an additional stone - lying flat rather than upright and a block of Millstone grit 58 cm high - called the King Stone, stands approximately 45 metres from the centre of the circle. It was discovered after being exposed as a crop mark in the dry weather of 1976.   

After a gentle stroll across the moor and down to Birchover, we were in need of refreshment.

This wonderful pub provided excellent ale - 9 Ladies Ale from Peakstones Rock Brewery.

Birchover gets its name (unsurprisingly) from references to birch trees - "a ridge overgrown with birch trees". The earliest settlement was originally located at what is now known as Upper Town which is about half a mile south of Birchover. There are restored stocks in Upper Town which our walk-leader for the day was encouraged to try out - but his legs wouldn't fit!

We met a life-time resident of Upper Town who told us some of the local history ...

... including what he called "chevrons" which can be found in the dry stone walls.

Then back to Winster. This ancient lead-mining village existed at the time of the Domesday Book and became properous in the 17th & 18th centuries when lead-mining was a boom industry. Its name is derived from the name "Wine's thryne" (thorn bushes).

Winster Hall, a three storied local gritstone building was built by Francis Moore in 1628. Its balustraded roof was added in the 18th century. Legend has it that around this time the daughter of the house fell in love with a servant and their forbidden tryst was ended when together the lovers leapt from the parapet to their deaths. It is said that the forecourt is haunted by the ghost of a `White Lady'.

Winster Market House built in 16th century - now owned by the National Trust

There are many interesting buildings on Main Street including this Hawker's residence. The sign above the door reads - Henry Tomkins. Wholesail Retailer. Dealer in Small Wares. Licensed Hawker

A hawker is a vendor of merchandise that can be easily transported; the term is roughly synonymous with peddler or costermonger. In most places where the term is used, a hawker sells items or food that are native to the area - so now we know!