button to main menu   West's Guide to the Lakes, 1778/1821

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Page 170:-
  Giant's Grave
In the church-yard are some sepulchral monuments, which have long been the subject of antiquarian speculation, not yet decided. Thus much is evident, that the pillars alluded to are of one stone, formed like the ancient spears; the shafts round, for about seven feet high; above that, they appear to be square, and to have terminated in a point. They are about ten feet high, stand parallel to the church, distant from each other fifteen feet. The space between is inclosed with circular stones, by some conjectured to represent boars. There remains visible, on the upper part of the pillars, some ornamental work, but no inscription or figures appear at present, and the stones are so much fretted by time, that it rests upon mere conjecture to affirm there ever were any. They probably mark the tomb of some great man, or family, before the custom was introduced of interring within churches, and are most likely British, or if not, must be Saxon.
from Penrith
There are many pleasing rides in the environs of Perith; most of them lead to curious remains of ancient monuments, or to modern rural improvements. In Whinfield-park are the Countess-pillar, the White-hart tree, and the Three-brothers' tree; the first particular is a filial tribute of Ann, Countess Dowager of Pembroke, to the memory of her pious mother, Mary, Countess Dowager
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gazetteer links
button -- Countess Pillar
button -- Giant's Grave
button -- "Three Brothers Tree" -- Three Brother Tree
button -- "Whinfield Park" -- Whinfell Park
button -- White Hart Tree

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