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Published online by Cambridge University Press: 24 July 2012
In a tour I made the last summer, over part of the north of England, I met with a remarkable Monument in Penrith Church-yard, in Cumberland, an elevation of which I now do myself the pleasure of laying before you, it having never been yet engraved, or, indeed accurately described by any author. It is called the Giants Grave; and we have the following account of it in Bishop Gibson's edition of the Britannia (Vol. II. p. 1020) communicated to him (as I was informed) by Dr. Todd, of Carlisle.
page 50 note [b] The Giants Thumb, a single stone, at the north west, end of the church-yard, has nothing to do with the other monument, but is plainly an ancient cross, whose base is sunk into the earth. It is six feet high, 14 inches broad at bottom, contracting to ten inches upwards, and the circle of the cross 18 inches in diameter. A cross of one stone seven feet high, somewhat like it, stands on steps in Longtown church-yard, in this county. Penrith church has, within these few years, been intirely rebuilt of brick, except the tower, which is of stone. The Giants Grave, being very near the church, may have been damaged at this time by the workmen.
page 50 note [c] This earthwork is 150 feet diameter, with two entrances on the north and south. It has suffered a little by being used as a cockpit; and the other earthwork, which is contiguous to it on the north, is almost defaced by buildings, R. G.
page 51 note [d] This barrow is called Ormstead-hill, and surrounded by a circle of short stones. R. G.
page 51 note [e] Gibson's edition of the Britannia, p. 1029.
page 52 note [f] Maburgh is a large circular area, enclosed with a bank of flints. In its center stood three or four large, irregular shaped single stones, of which only one remains at present. If bishop Nicolson had not corrected Camden, in his account that Penrith castle was repaired out of the ruins of this place, which exactly resembles the Druidical places of worship, a bare view of the castle would do it; Penrith castle being intirely built of red hewn stone. R. G.
page 53 note [g] Some elegant specimens of which, with some of the bones, were exhibited.