On the vastness of the moor a stumpy gritstone shows the way

Redmires, Sheffield Scored by wind and rain there is something square-jawed about the stone known as Stump John The Head Stone stands, like a muted version of Easter Island's moai, on grouse moors west of Sheffield, looking down on traffic hurrying along the A57. A fractured block of gritstone seamed and scored by wind and rain, there is something square-jawed about it, although it has other names: Stump John, for John Priestley of Overstones Farm, a place literally "over stones", on the far side of Stanage; and Cock Crowing Stone, possibly for the male grouse that advertise their wares from its summit. Related: Farewell to an ancient landmark Continue reading...