Within the field that
houses the Kits Coty monument, once stood an enormous stone
that was known as The General's Tomb. Why it was so named is
unclear, and the exact position of it still can't be accurately located.
But thanks to some 18th century writers, they more or less agree that it
was to be found in a north-west position, less than 80 yards or so away
from Kits Coty.
Three of the stones that are partially
hidden
Click on thumbnail to enlarge
During the late 1860's
the farmer (in all his wisdom) had it destroyed by a farmhand, namely
Thomas Costen*, who blasted it to pieces with gunpowder. This was common
practice at the time as many farmers looked upon these cumbersome
stones as serving no purpose. To a certain extent, the destruction of
these stones and structures was due to the introduction of Christianity.
The priesthood warned that all stones should be destroyed that were on
the receiving end of being worshipped!
The formation from the copse that hides
the stones
The field just down from
the Kits Coty field, that's occupied by the formation, is
divided in two by an ancient track. At the top end of this path lies a
small copse, and hidden within it are a number of ancient stones of all
shapes and sizes. Could this be the final resting place of the
dismembered General? It's also reasonable to assume that these stones
weren't just dumped here. There's also evidence to suggest that this
site may have been the site of an ancient draw well. Were the stones
used to shore it up or infill it? Certainly "The Circlemakers" appear to
indicate that this pile of stones is of some importance...this is the
second time a formation has landed close to them.
A view of Kits Coty at sunset on this
year's solstice night
Images Graham Tucker Copyright 2005
Graham Tucker
