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The Badger Stone is possibly the
most impressive of the carved
rocks on Ilkley Moor. Over a metre high and around 3 metres in length this
bolder has a southwest facing flattish surface that is marked with a profusion
of cups (around ninety-five), rings, interlinking grooves and gutters. At the eastern end
there is a design that could represent an unfinished swastika although it is more
angular than the one on the nearby Swastika
Stone. Depending on the weather and sunlight the rock can change from grey and featureless to a rich golden brown, resembling a miniature Uluru/Ayers Rock, with the carvings thrown into sharp relief. It may be necessary for several visits to the rock in differing condition to get a full appreciation of the complex designs. It is possible that this rock was chosen for carving not just for its size, but also for its position. The photograph above is the view looking north towards the River Wharfe valley which partly hidden in the early evening mist. From here several other of the carved rocks on the moor are visible, or at least their positions are visible. These include the stones at Weary Hill and Willy Hall's Wood as well as the prominent Neb Stone. The importance of sight lines between stones may help to explain why some nondescript stones seem to be heavily patterned while others that would seem to be prime candidates for decoration have no carvings at all. See also Ilkley Moor & Rombalds Moor Introduction Date: Bronze Age |
 Complex carvings on the southwestern side of the stone. |
 A possible unfinished swastika design on the eastern end. |
  References: Beckensall, S. 1999. British Prehistoric Rock Art. Stroud: Tempus Publishing Ltd. Bennett, P. 1995. Circles, Standing Stones and Legendary Rocks of West Yorkshire. Loughborough: Heart of Albion Press. Boughey, K.J.S. and Vickerman, E.A. 2003. Prehistoric Rock Art of the West Riding. West Yorkshire Archaeology Service. Cope, J. 1998. The Modern Antiquarian. A Pre-Millennial Odyssey through Megalithic Britain. London: Thorsons. |
