More information : [ST 79607002] Three Shire Stones [TI]. (1)
The Three Shire Stones form a conspicuous sham-megalith of
three rough-hewn oolite slabs supporting a large cap-stone and
built round an earlier group of small dressed stones each of which
is inscribed with the date 1736 and the initial letter of the
appropriate county. A number of authorities (bibliography given)
have suggested that the present structure incorporates re-used
stones from some ruined chambered tomb in the vicinity. However,
a printed circular, dated 1858 (a) appeals for money to assist
in the completion of the 'Cromlech' ad describes how the junction
of the three counties had been previously marked by ordinary
'mere-stones' and the new stones, quarried for the purpose, had
been set up over the old stones. In digging the hole for the
upright stone on the Gloucestershire side three skeletons and
a coin of James II were found. The project was completed in
February, 1859. (2)
The megalith is an entirely modern feature. (3)
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