Legendary Rock: OS Grid References – SE 01831 28436
Also Known as:
- Robin Hood’s Pennystone
- Robin Hood’s Rock
If you follow the directions to reach the Churn Milk Joan stone, then continue onto the moor following the same directions to find the Miller’s Grave, once you’ve reach this you’ll see a large rounded boulder a couple of hundred yards away on your left, to the northwest. That’s Robin Hood’s Penny Stone!
Archaeology & History
In terms of this site’s archaeology, it has none to write home about in official records (other than a few flints found nearby), but there’s more to this place than meets the eye. A large rounded boulder sat upon the moorland plain with a large Nature-worn bowl on its top, the site is some 112 yards (102m) northwest of the little-known, but impressive Miller’s Grave prehistoric cairn (close to being a midsummer/midwinter line). North and south of the rock are small lines of prehistoric walling — though their context is difficult to assess. The Greenwood Stone and Greenwood B stone can be found about 200 yards west.
Folklore
A singular footpath once led up to this old boulder, atop of which – in its large ‘bowl’ – vinegar used to be poured. In this, coins were left by local people who suffered the plague and in return food was left for them. And of course it is said that Robin Hood frequented the place in bygone times.
References:
- Bennett, Paul, The Old Stones of Elmet, Capall Bann: Milverton 2001.
- Robert, Andy, “Our Last Meeting,” in NEM 37, 1989.
- Robert, Andy, Ghosts and Legends of Yorkshire, Jarrold: Sheffield 1992.
© Paul Bennett, The Northern Antiquarian
