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This
is the third largest stone circle in the British Isles, and the
sixth largest overall in the world.
It's
thought that the circle originally consisted of 70 stones, however
today there are only 59 remaining, and of those only 27 are standing.
Stone
circles have always fascinated and Long Meg and her daughters has
been one that has held peoples fancy more than most. Early in the
19th Century, William
Wordsworth said of Long Meg "Next to Stonehenge it
is beyond dispute the most notable relick that this or probably
any other country contains.'"
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| Ring
carving details on Long Meg. |
It
is said that Long Meg and her daughters were a coven of witches
who were holding their sabbat, when the Scottish wizard Michael
Scot, came upon them and turned them to stone. The stones of the
circle are said to be uncountable, and that should anyone ever reach
the same total twice, that the spell would be broken.
Local
history also tells the tale of the local squire who tried to remove
the stones. As the work started a tremendous and terrifying storm
broke out overhead, which caused the work to be permanently abandoned.
Finally
its also said that should Long Meg ever be broken, she would run
red with blood.
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| Offerings
at Long Meg |
Today
people still visit Long Meg to gaze at what our ancestors were capable
of with minimal tools and their bare hands.
Also
people still pay their respects to 'the old gods' by leaving offerings
around Long Meg.
The
monument commonly called Long Meg
- A poem by William
Wordsworth.
A
weight of Awe not easy to be borne
Fell suddenly upon my spirit, cast
From the dread bosom of the unknown past,
When first I saw that family forlorn;
Speak Thou, whose massy strength and stature scorn
The power of years - pre-eminent, and placed
Apart, to overlook the circle vast.
Speak Giant-mother! tell it to the Morn,
While she dispels the cumbrous shades of night;
Let the Moon hear, emerging from a cloud,
At whose behest uprose on British ground
That Sisterhood in hieroglyphic round
Forth-shadowing, some have deemed the infinite
The inviolable God that tames the proud.
William
Wordsworth 1822
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| Long
Meg looking North |
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