The time of year when suddenly the earth explodes into colour.
The word Stiperstones comes from “stripped-stone” an effect caused during the last Ice-Age, a geological abnormality that is unique to Britain.” ~ Michael Raven
(Y Carneddau Tuon – The Dark Rocks)
The Stiperstones is a wild ridge of Quartzite tors surrounded by a sea of heather located south-west of the county town of Shrewsbury and offers panoramic views of the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. But the mystery and fear generated by the serrated skyline led to some sinister associations in the past.
Shropshire has more than its fair share of giants. There is a Giant’s Chair on Titterstone Clee, but the feature with the same name found on the Stiperstones has become known as the Devil’s Chair.
The story is that the devil came over from Ireland with a leather apron full of stones either to block the Hell Gutter, a ravine on the side of the hill, or to dam the River Severn. He sat down to rest on what became the Devil’s Chair and when he got up his apron strings broke and the great stones were scattered all around.
Whenever he can, the devil flops into the chair so that his weight can help push down the Stiperstones since he believes that if they sink into the earth, England, a country he hates, will perish. If anyone else dares to sit in his chair a thunderstorm will immediately erupt.
Mary Webb (author 1881-1927) wrote in her book ‘The Golden Arrow’
Nothing ever altered its look. …it remained inviolable, taciturn, evil. It glowered darkly in the dawn, it came through the snow like jagged bones through flesh…
source: The Folklore of Shropshire by Roy Plamer, printed by Logaston Press
BTW Google spell-check wants to replace Stiperstones with superstitions – how spooky is that?
If you would like to join in with the Bench photo challenge then please take a look at my Bench Series page. No complicated rules, just a bench and a camera required 🙂
Another bench from Dawn, with a gorgeous barn in the background.
A bench with attitude from Sylvia
and Naomi joined us with a whole raft of benches (she is not the only one)
Lumar1298 brought some more carved benches to join in
Sherri joins us this month with wooden benches (in black and white) fulfilling two months in one!
El Rolyat takes me back to a place I once knew very well and Issy has a bit of bother getting her post done this month!
Meanwhile the troublesome restless one hits us with a whole bucket-load of benches – there is sure to be one you fancy 🙂
Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens
OK, no kittens…
but plenty of raindrops on lilies
and these are a few of my favourite things…
Today is the March equinox – the spring (vernal) equinox in the northern hemisphere when the length of the daylight hours equal the length of the night hours (well almost…) and is the beginning of spring according to astrological belief. This year it is also a date for a total solar eclipse and a super moon and the International Day of Happiness! Let the good times begin…
Situated on a plateau above the gorge of the River Severn, this fine stone house has mullioned and transomed windows, a stunning interior with carved oak staircase and decorated plaster ceilings and oak panelling. National Trust
It is always a good idea to look up at windows, you never know what you might see. Like the carved figure heads and hands.
And an interesting Dovecote with a window
There is also a little Restoration church
This monthly challenge is hosted by Dawn from ‘The Day After’ who invites participants to post pictures of any windows that they find curious, inviting, photogenic, or in some way tell a story. Visit her blog to see more windows and/or to join in with the challenge.
TRAVEL WORDS 