Stone Circle, Altham, Lancashire SD 772 331

Stone Circle, Altham, Lancashire SD 772 331

RINGSTONHALGH

The chuch at Altham (St James, originally St Mary, est: 1140, Norman)is built on a raised spur of land above the River Calder. In the 14th century Coucher Book of Whalley Abbey the church was said to stand on "de Ryngestoneshalgh", 1352.

The chuchyard walls are semi-circular to the north west.Diameter of semi-circle = 60m

Built into the south wall of the church is a Norman/Roman (?) tympanum with rows of small chip-carved St Andrew's crosses.

Placename: Aelfgeat's Estate (poss Romano-British)

I like the sound of this one John. Have you had a look round the place to see if there are any uprights in the walling or owt? Any folklore here, or heathen lore?

cheers - Paul

Site Visit 13 July 2010

At least one large standing stone on the inside of the circular churchyard wall a few yards to the NE of the church.

Another large stone just on the outside of the circular churchyard wall to the NW of the church.

The churchyard sits on a large raised circular feature 60m dia.

A full investigation of the outside wall was not possible due to nettles - will return in the winter months.