Priapus Stone???? Great Urswick

Cumbria 41

Image by Chance

Vicster Jun 30, 2007 13:27:54

Anyone heard of this? In our local paper this week (Lancster Guardian) it is mentioned as part of a scenic walk around the Great Urswick area.

"Look out for a huge block of eroded limestone set into the base of the stone wall....this is the Priapus Stone, an ancient phallic symbol of fertility, is stood erect in the adjoining fields until the 1920s"

Is it known by another name perhaps?

I'm heading that way for weekend of walking and stoning in a couple of weeks, so will have a look but just wondered if anyone else knows anything.

Cheers

ocifant Jun 30, 2007 14:28:32

Replying to Vicster

The only Google hit I could find of any relevance was a mention of Priapus in a report on a school in urswick: http://www.nwemail.co.uk/unknown/viewarticle.aspx?id=415709&imageindex=1

Don't know if that helps at all?

fitzcoraldo Jun 30, 2007 15:04:30

Replying to Vicster

Hi Vic
Cumbria County Councils Historic record on the the Discover Cumbria website records the Urswick Standing Stone SMR No. 2374 located roughly at SD267741. I've looked on the old maps site and cannot see a stone marked at this location.
It would be an interesting one to find.

The Eternal Jul 1, 2007 00:04:31

Replying to Vicster

Vicster,
My wife went to school in Little Urswick, and she hasn't heard of the Priapus Stone (good name, eh?. Oooooh Matron once more).
Obviously this comment is of no use whatsoever, but at least you know someone else is ignorant.
Cheers,
TE.

Rhiannon Jul 1, 2007 07:16:05

Replying to Vicster

well from Google books you could look at Transactions of the Cumberland & Westmoreland Antiquarian & Archaeological Society - there's an article 'The Priapus Stone, Urswick. By J. Hughes' and it's on page 185. Unfortunately it's not obvious which volume. Ahem. But I think you can assume it's Victorian with a name like that? Perhaps they'll help you here http://www.cwaas.org.uk/transactions.html

rockartwolf Jul 1, 2007 07:32:17

Replying to Vicster

Hi Vicster,

Found map locations for both the Urswick standing stone, and the nearby St Michaels's Stirrup standing stone.

hope this helps..

Map for Urswick Standing Stone & St Michaels's Stirrup Standing Stone