The Story of the Bowder Stone

Standing close to the Keswick to Rosthwaite Road, in the English Lake District, is a 1,250 ton lump of Andesite Lava called the Bowder Stone. The name is thougth to derive from the Norse God, Baldr, son of Odin. The Borrowdale Valley, at the head of which the stone stands, was inhabited by Norse settlers a thousand years ago, and many place names in the region are Norse in origin. The Stone is controversial, both in geological terms, since there is no agreement on how it got there, and in cultural terms. In 1798 it was turned into one of the Lake District's first 'paid for' tourist attractions, by Joseph Pocklington, a man who was no derided for having 'no taste whatsoever'. But, as the video shows, it has stood the test of time.

[stuartpearson]

I was told that when I was a kid 50 years ago that their was a series of caves nearby but they were demolished for safety reasons. Not sure if that's true or not?

[MrQuintonia]

Had to watch this before bed.. Very Interesting and I love the giants story so I will go with that.. ;) I love your little comic moments too. ;)

[Quaker]

Nice video and very informative. Thank you. Just one of the things that makes Borrowdale one of my favourite places in the Lakes.

[MoandGillOutdoors]

we will go and visit that when were there. thanks for sharing eric atb mo and gill

[wasdalemanexploringoutdoor]

That was a really enjoyable video, I have been there but it's great to find out all the in depth history. I have subscribed to your channel and I am going to add you to the bar thingy on the side for what I would say is a really great channel to watch to my friends. Please check out my channel to, I do enjoy the high level stuff but you never know where we are going to end up, I am hoping to take people under the Lake District later this year with my Scuba gear.
Regards
James and Kirsteen

[gavinreid]

Never heard that it was controversial. I think it looked better before the trees grow up around it.