Bowder Stone
The Bowder Stone is a large glacial erratic in Borrowdale, Cumbria, England, at grid reference NY25401639. It is estimated to weigh around 2000 tons and is about 30' (9m) high, 50' (15m) across and 90' (27m) in circumference. There is a staircase allowing visitors to climb to the top, and has been since at least 1890.[1] Its name most likely comes from the Norse god Odin's son, Baldr.
History
- Balder
As stated, it is said that the name equates with Balder, the second son of the god Odin.[2] Balder is best known for being slain through the actions of Loki with an arrow or spear made of mistletoe. One side of the Bowder Stone is said to be a simulacrum of the face of Balder and a small hole is said to have once existed on his head where in Norse mythology the weapon pierced and killed him. A carving representing the sun was located just above the hole.[3] The oldest photographs show a well defined chin and lips whilst a second face is seen by some.[4]
- Mr Pocklington
Although visited and admired by many, such as William Sawrey Gilpin in 1772,[5] Joseph Pocklington was the first to take practical steps to attract visitors, purchasing the site and erecting a cottage to house a guide and also setting up a ladder to allow visitors to reach the top and admire the view. In addition he built a hermitage and erected a druidical stone as well as altering the surroundings by removing all the smaller stones from around it.[6]
Etymology
In 1772 William Gilpin wrote that it seemed not to be "..rent from the mountains,.." and was an "..independent creation..", using the name Boother-stone.[7]
References
- Notes
- Sources
- Gilpin, William (1786). Observations relative chiefly to Pictureque Beauty made in the year 1772, On Several Parts of England; Particularly the Mountains, and Lakes of Cumberland, and Westmorland. London : R. Blamire.
- Hodgson, E. (2007). The Bowder Stone - A History. Carlisle : P3 Publications. ISBN 978-0-9547739-8-4
External links
Coordinates: 54°32′15″N 3°09′11″W / 54.537364°N 3.152929°W