Wet Withens

Ordnance Survey map reference: SK 225790.

Landranger map number: 119.

Latitude: 53.185 degrees.

Longitude: -1.395 degrees.

Architecture: Embanked circle with internal cist and possible centre stone..

Length of the major axis: 29.9 metres.

Length of the minor axis: 29.9 metres.

Height of the highest stone: 0.7 metres.

Shape: Circle.

Number of stones in the circle originally: .

Number of stones in the circle now: 10.

Impression of the site (10 amazing, 1 limp): 3

Burl rating of the circle: 5 (Uncertain Status).

Thom reference for the circle: D1/2.

Astronomical alignments from this circle: -.

Excavations undertaken at this circle: 1840 ?.

Details of any finds at this circle: None.

This circle is not in state care.

Access to the circle:

The circle lies on Eyam Moor and there are no immediate footpaths leading to it. In summer the moor is overgrown with thick bracken which is difficult to walk through. The best route is off a small minor road at Leam where there is a stile leading to a public footpath. A small stream runs from here NW up onto the moor and follows the contours of the hill past a woodland. An overgrown footpath follows the stream. The circle lies above the stream, about 200m past the woodland and about 150m up a steep rugged hill through thick heather. The circle cannot be seen from the stream, the stones of a nearby cairn are the first confirmation that the circle is close by.This large cairn stands at the NNE of the circle and was robbed in 1759. It contained an urn, amber beads and a jet pendant. The cairn is protected by the state and a plaque stating so stands next to it.

Description:

The circle itself is ruinous, I counted 11 stones but apparently there are 10 which stand in a heather covered bank, they are leaning and not particularly impressive.The largest stone of the circle stands only 0.7m and is badly leaning. Another more prominent stone stands 0.67m high to the north and is seat like in shape. The remains of the embankment surrounding the circle can clearly be seen. Some stones have been carved with the letters FU, this is relatively recent and I am not sure of the relevance of this carving. If any one has any info then please let me know. At the centre is the remains of a pit where an urn was dug up and it is possible the circle once had a centre stone. Although the site is not very particularly impressive, there are excellent views over the entire northern horizon and it can make for a pleasant walk.

The heather engulfed and almost unrecognisable Wet Withens is not particularly accessible and a little disappointing.

This picture shows a stone at the site that is seat like in appearance and is the most prominent stone of the circle.