The Stone House

You would have thought that a structure dating back to at least the 18th-century and of sigifnicant historic value to be Grade II listed by Historic England would be cherished and looked after¹Historicengland.org.uk. (2012). THE STONE HOUSE (AT NGR NY 736 047), Ravenstonedale – 1326760 | Historic England. [online] Available at: https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1326760?section=official-list-entry [Accessed 26 Jun. 2022]..

But not so, this manmade cave on Ash Fell overlooking Ravenstonedale is being used as a dump for redundant fencing and other farming materials. I had to don my overtrousers to wade through the sea of nettles guarding the entrance, only to find access inside impossible.

Inside, the large room, 10’x20’x8′ high, is described as a “byre” “sufficiently capacious to contain six cows”.

Historic England also records that, on the inside on the rear wall, is a carving with the date 1720 on large shield and the inscription:

John ) Margt) Milner
Mich: (Haern?)snipp Fecit

As well as Milner, a local source refers to the name Knewstubb on the engraving²Cumbria Local History Federation. Bulletin 85 -Spring 2021. (n.d.). Page 24. [online] Available at: https://www.clhf.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Bulletin-85-final.pdf [Accessed 26 Jun. 2022]..

Outside the nettles, a clear sign for sure of man’s presence, seem to cover a substantial quarried out area. There  are ruinous low walls suggesting it may once have been roofed.

In the distance is the 708m high Wild Boar Fell, a reminder of the 1977 Karrimor mountain marathon and also, on its lower slopes, a ski-orienteering competition — my, that was fun. I remember having great difficulty staying upright.

• 1
  Historicengland.org.uk. (2012). THE STONE HOUSE (AT NGR NY 736 047), Ravenstonedale – 1326760 | Historic England. [online] Available at: https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1326760?section=official-list-entry [Accessed 26 Jun. 2022].
• 2
  Cumbria Local History Federation. Bulletin 85 -Spring 2021. (n.d.). Page 24. [online] Available at: https://www.clhf.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Bulletin-85-final.pdf [Accessed 26 Jun. 2022].