Hemmell stones served to raise barns, granaries, hayricks, and beehives off the ground, protecting them from damp and vermin. Usually comprising a separate head and base, these stones gave them a distinctive mushroom-like appearance.1Hartley, Marie and Joan Ingilby. “Life and Tradition on The Moorlands of North-East Yorkshire”. page 64. J.M. Dent & Son. 1990. ISBN 1 870071 54 9. In other parts of the country, they are more commonly known as ‘staddle’ or ‘steddle’ stones, with variations in design depending on the region.
The tops of the hemmells were typically circular and overhung the support beneath, making it nearly impossible for rodents to climb into the stored hay or grain. This arrangement also allowed air to circulate freely underneath, helping to keep the contents dry. A wooden framework was placed on top of the stones, upon which the hayricks or granaries were built. The staddles were generally arranged in two or three rows, though smaller granaries could suffice with five, utilising one stone as a central support, as seen here at Middle Heads.2NYMNPA HER Records HER No: 13393 Staddle stones at Middle Heads
Hemmell stones are not uncommon on the North York Moors, but the examples at Middle Heads have likely survived due to their “rough and ready” construction, lack of surviving tops, and the farmstead’s remote location at the head of Farndale. The ruined farmstead also contains a fine example of a saw-pit, which I have previously posted about.
- 1Hartley, Marie and Joan Ingilby. “Life and Tradition on The Moorlands of North-East Yorkshire”. page 64. J.M. Dent & Son. 1990. ISBN 1 870071 54 9.
- 2NYMNPA HER Records HER No: 13393 Staddle stones at Middle Heads
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