Pikestones

Pikestones is a chambered cairn in Anglezarke, built from five gritstone slabs that form a burial chamber approximately 4.5 meters long and 1 meter wide. The slabs range from 1.6 to 2.7 meters in length and represent typical Neolithic construction methods.

Construction took place between 3400 and 2400 BC during the Neolithic period, when early farming communities established communal burial sites in northern England. This era marks the shift toward settled societies with organized burial practices.

The double wall design at the northern end reflects how Neolithic builders created entrance spaces for communal tombs. This architectural choice shows how early farming communities organized their sacred burial grounds.

Access is on foot from the parking area at Jepson's Gate, though the path becomes slippery during wet weather. Sturdy footwear is recommended for the walk to the site.

A circular stone arrangement surrounding the chamber spans approximately 25 meters in diameter, suggesting an earlier circular structure. This type of ring design appears in other cairns from the same era, indicating shared building principles.

Location: Anglezarke

Website: https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1009120

GPS coordinates: 53.64990,-2.56578

Latest update: December 14, 2025 15:01