Three Shires Stone Traditional Cache
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Size: 
(micro)
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Cache 'n' Dash Micro near the 'Three Shires stones'
The Three Shires Stones mark the place where Gloucestershire, Somerset and Wiltshire meet. They are near Marshfield and Colerne on the Fosse Way. It is claimed that these boundary stones were erected in 1859 and are believed to be the remains of a chambered tomb. In early 19th century guide books they are referred to as "Druidical stones" which of course they are not. Extract from: 'The Date of the Three Shire Stones near Batheaston' by AJH Gunstone (1963): 'Most field archaeologists who have studied the site in recent years have suggested' that the megalith was built in the early 18th century reusing stones from some ruined chambered tomb in the district, possibly the one drawn and described by Aubrey in the mid 17th century (see TBGAS 79 p1/18 for a sketch). There are three small dressed stones inside, each dated 1736 and with the initial of one of the three counties. "Completion of the project in February 1859 was given wide publicity in local newspapers and national journals and these reports added that in the hole excavated for the upright stone on the Gloucestershire side three skeletons and a coin of James II were found." And here is part of a letter referring to the newly spruced up monument: Bath. Nov 17th 1858. Sir. For the last 120 years the only index to mark the junction of the 3 Counties of Gloucestershire, Somerset and Wiltshire on Bannerdown consisted of three Stones of the dimensions ordinarily used for mere stones in Common field lands; and they were in such a position that travellers could not possibly be attracted by them; and that even those, who knew of their existence, could not at once discover them.
it was resolved that a Cromlech should be erected over the old stones
The total cost was £34 5s and 8d. I thought it was rather nice that "Dinner to the Workmen" was listed as one of the expenses. some say, that perhaps J.R.R. Tolkien had them in mind when he Created the Three Farthings Stone in the Shire of Middle Earth but somehow I doubt it!.
It should be possible to park at N51 25.666 W2 17.698 and walk along the verge but be careful as this is a very fast and busy road. Please respect the field boundaries as the surrounding area is private land as indicated by the profusion of padlocks and barbed wire! NOTE the cache is NOT in the wall!
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