Monument record 4201/0/1 - The Judith Stone

A possible standing stone formed of an irregular rounded boulder. Probably a glacial erratic.

{1} Structure. A possible standing stone formed of an irregular rounded boulder. 1.5m long X 1m wide x 1m high. Part buried, and has been avoided by ridge and furrow ploughing. Of Scandinavian granite it is probably a glacial erratic.

{2} Recorded at this location in 1856.

{4} The so-called JUDITH STONE measures 5'1" long, 3'9" wide and 2'10" high. Probable weight 3 1/2 tons. An old tradition states that it is the boundary stone marking the limit of the lands belonging to Judith, niece of William I, who is known to have received a grant of lands hereabouts. Identified by an eminent authority (b) as a glacial erratic. There is no certain evidence of its use at any period but the name JUDITH STONE is well established.

{6} SP 7120 8598 - The stone is a large boulder rounded by ice or water action. Its dimensions are accurately given by Authy. {4} Only a part is buried. It is placed on a southern slope in an old rig-and-furrow field under grass. The rigs diverge to avoid the stone indicating that it has been in its present position for a considerable time.
No evidence of its use for any purpose was found and it appears to be in situ.
See G.P. AO/60/107/5 - Judith Stone from the north-west. Surveyed 6.3.60.

<1> Royal Commission on The Historical Monuments of England, 1981, An Inventory of The Historical Monuments in The County of Northampton, p.84/Site 6 (checked) (Series). SNN77381.

<2> 1856, Map, (unchecked) (Map). SNN16413.

<3> Bridges J., 1791, The History and Antiquities of Northamptonshire, (unchecked) (Book). SNN100366.

<4> Annotated Record Map, Corr. 6" (R. W. BROWN, 1949) (Map). SNN112961.

<4b> Historic England, Unknown, Oral information, correspondence (not archived) or staff comments, Dr. Vernon Wilson, Geological Survey (Oral Report). SNN111577.

<4a> Historic England, Unknown, Oral information, correspondence (not archived) or staff comments, Oral: MR. G. R. LEE, Hon. Corr., Market Harborough, (Oral Report). SNN111577.

<5> Ms Notes, MS Notes (P. J. HARRIS, Oct., 1933), Market Harborough Museum. (Note). SNN113113.

<6> Woodhouse, W C, 1960, Field Investigators Comments, F1 WCW 6-MAR-1960 (Note). SNN113151.

<7> Historic England, Unknown, Oral information, correspondence (not archived) or staff comments, Rev. P. J. K. Law, The Rectory, Marston Trussell (Oral Report). SNN111577.

<8> Historic England, The Judith Stone (Photograph) (Archive). SNN115485.

Record last edited

Sep 26 2023 10:40AM