HISTORY OF THE CALDEKSTONES. 145 



"3rd, about 1789 the mound was disturbed, and possibly, as a result, the 

 dolmen was partly exposed and fell to ruins. About this period some of 

 the later markings, including the footprints, were probably added when the 

 top stones lay level with the top of the mound (see John Peers' story). 



"4th, about 1805, the rest of the tumulus was carted away, and the 

 stones were scattered. Probably some of the stones were destroyed and 

 others removed {e.g., Mr. Booker's) between this period and 1845, when Mr. 

 J. N. Walker, of Calderstones, had some of them collected, placed in a 

 circle, before his lodge, as at present, and enclosed by a railing. 



"Several of your correspondents use the term 'Celtic' in connection with 

 the Calderstones. The best authorities agree that the dolmen builders 

 of North-Western Europe were of the neolithic age, and a pre-Celtic 

 race." — Yours, &c, 



W. A. HERDMAN. 

 Nov. 28th, 1896. 



It is possible that this account of what I have been 

 able to gather together as to the former condition of the 

 Calderstones may fall into the hands of someone who can 

 give further information, or who has access to ancient 

 maps, estate plans, or records in which the Calderstones 

 are mentioned. I need scarcely say that I shall be much 

 interested if the possessors of such information will kindly 

 communicate with me. 



There is in the Athenaeum Library, Liverpool, a MS. 

 map said to be copied from an original belonging to 

 Kichard Lathame, Esq., Lord of Allerton, previous to 

 1644, showing the lands in dispute between the Queen 

 (? Elizabeth) and Eichard Lathame. 



This map shows between Allerton and Childwall a 

 group of " Called- way-stones " and " Koger-stones," but is 

 not sufficiently detailed and accurate to be of any real 

 value. The original, however, if still in existence, and 

 other old plans like it, showing this district on a large 

 scale, may be of great antiquarian interest ; and it is 

 hoped that if any such exist in private hands the owners 

 will take steps to make their contents known. 



