531 



The named Stones of Northumberland; heing a list of huge 

 stones, single and in groups, in situ and detached, to which 

 local names have been given in the County. By G. A. 

 Lebour, M.A., F.G.S., etc., Professor of Geology in the 

 University of Durham College of Physical Science, New- 

 castle-on-Tyne. 



In the following list I have excluded two important classes of 

 named stones almost entirely : namely, the crosses which abound 

 in Northumberland, of which only such as stand upon parish or 

 other boundary lines have been retained, and the still more nu- 

 merous named stones along the coast. With these exceptions, I 

 have entered every big stone, standing stone, portion of rock 

 (not entire crags), known to me either personally or by informa- 

 tion. Most of them I have visited myself. The latitude and 

 longitude, as derived from the six inch ordnance maps, I have 

 given in each case, with such brief remarks as might help any 

 one to find and recognize the localities in which the stones occur. 

 Whenever a stone marks a boundary between countries, couniies, 

 parishes, or townships, the fact has been carefully noted. 



I was led to observe the stones in question by the late well- 

 known antiquarian, Dr. Black, of London, who held certain views 

 as to their connection with some ancient long -lost system of 

 topographical mensuration, which the present list is by no means 

 calculated, I fear, to confirm. 



As to the importance of preserving records of such objects as 

 these named stones, I would refer the reader to a paper published 

 by Mr James Hardy, in 1861, entitled — "Legends respecting 

 huge stones " (Alnwick), in which a number of interesting refer- 

 ences are made to traditions and historical facts connected with 

 them ; and I would add that, the connexion between them and 

 the history of our local boundaries, is probably closer than might 

 be thought at first sight, whilst philologically there is interest 

 in the subject as well. 



Any information as to any stones omitted in this list, and as to 

 traditions respecting those included in it, is earnestly requested 

 and will be thankfully received. 



