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Arbor
Low
Derbyshire
Originally
called "Eorthburgh Hlaw", a name that in the ancient language of
Britain means "Earthwork Mound".
"Arbor Low" is a corruption / derivative of this original name.
Arbor Low has also been described as
the Stonehenge of the north. It is
the only circle in Derbyshire built from limestone.
All the others in the area were built from millstone grit, with the
possible exception of the Bullring, which may have originally have been made
from limestone, but as there are no longer any stones at the Bullring it would
be impossible to tell. The explanation for the limestone pillars at Arbor Low is
from its setting in the South Peak District on a rugged and windswept reach of
the limestone plateau.
The size of the
circle at Arbor Low makes it one of the most visually striking circles in
Derbyshire. Although the stones now
lie flat where they have fallen, it does not distract from the overall
impression of the place. Although
if they were still standing it would make a Arbor Low a truly awe inspiring
place.
Although there is a
train of thought that the stones were originally set lying down, this is
dispelled by the stone holes where the stones originally stood. The demise of the stones may partly be that they appear to
have been set into shallow holes. And
although there are no records of any alteration to the site, or of the stones
being felled, perhaps they may have become a building source for lintels and
gateposts for local farmers, which would explain why there are gaps in several
places around the circle. In
general, the stones were erected with the smooth surfaces facing outwards of the
circle.
Although
the circle is in the care of the authorities, the site is actually situated on
private farmland. Visitors are
allowed on the land to visit the site as there is a pot and a sign for money for
the visit.
Gib Hill at Arbor Low
A
low bank and ditch join the outer edge of the earth bank of Arbor Low henge.
The low bank and ditch run for a distance south, south west till they
form a sweeping curve that leads to Gib Hill.
Although double banked "pathways" are occasionally found, the
single bank / ditch found here is unique to this site.
Commonly known as "The Avenue", it evokes images of processions
leading from the henge to the large burial mound which is Gib Hill.
It is thought that Gib Hill is a Neolithic oval barrow that has a Bronze
age round barrow to one end. A
smaller mound was found within the barrow that was thought to have been at the
level of the original ground surface. Inside
were found the remains of charcoal and cremated human bones.
There have also been a variety of remains found at Gib Hill which include
axe heads, arrow heads, a bronze spear head, a flint knife and various human
remains and animal bones. It is
thought that this ancient burial site came first and that the henge was built
afterwards. Halfway up the side of
the older barrow, a cist had been built into it.
The cist appeared to have a cremation and a food vessel contained inside.
Directions
From Buxton on the A515 towards Ashbourne. Approx 15km south of Buxton is a side road, signposted Arbor Low. There is a lay by for parking and the site, although behind a farm, is signposted from the road. There is a path leading through the farm yard to the actual site which is a few hundred yards away.
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