Cheetham Close

Ordnance Survey map reference: SD 716158.

Landranger map number: 109.

Latitude: 53.383 degrees.

Longitude: -2.258 degrees.

Architecture: Outlier..

Length of the major axis: 15.5 metres.

Length of the minor axis: 15.5 metres.

Height of the highest stone: 0.4 metres.

Shape: Circle.

Number of stones in the circle originally: .

Number of stones in the circle now: 11.

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

Burl rating of the circle: 3 (Ruined but recognisable ).

Thom reference for the circle: -.

Astronomical alignments from this circle: -.

Excavations undertaken at this circle: -.

Details of any finds at this circle: -

This circle is not in state care.

Access to the circle:

The circle lies near top of a large whale shaped mound of the same name. It is possible to park next to a housing estate close by at Egerton and a short, but steep walk along a series of footpaths that crisscross the mound, takes you to the site. There are no fences or other obstructions to prevent access.

The site consists of ring of low lying stones that protrude only a little above tufts of grass, some of these are only just visible in the soft peaty ground. I counted 11 but several loose stones appear to have been placed around the ring on top of existing stones that are deeply embedded. The tallest stone is just 0.4m high and an outlier to the SSW stands at 0.56m. To the SSE of the circle lies a earthen rubble bank strewn with boulders which I interpreted as the remains of a 22m diameter cairn with an internal cist structure. Also to the NE there appears to be another set of circular remains that seem to have a central cist and could be the remains of another cairn. Clearly a stone circle but in a ruinous condition yet still recognisable; just. One for the more enthusiastic!

Additional Information:

The following information on Cheetham Close was taken from Bolton.org and supplied to me by Curtis.

A Druidical Circle on Chetham Close overlooking Egerton is the earliest evidence for any settlers in the area, a circle 15 metres (51 feet) in diameter and 323 metres (1060 feet) above sea level, and it dates to around the Bronze age. Little remains today, for in 1871 a local farmer, a tenant of Turton Tower took sledgehammers to the stones to this once more or less perfect circle. Flattened stumps are all that remain today. The remains of a second stone circle lie south of this one. The name Turton is thought to be derived from the Saxon personal name of Thori's Tun, although in 1257 the name is written as Thurton."

A view from the south with the outlier in the foreground.

A view from the north, the outlier can clearly be seen in the background.

The low stones of Cheetham Close are unimpressive and sit isolated and lonely on a desolate hilltop.