The Cumbrian man on a mission to revive stone lifting heritage


A man from Cumbria has undertaken the task of finding England’s ancient lifting stones which were a popular display of power over the centuries. Calum Stott discovered that these stones were common in places such as Scotland, Ireland, and Iceland, and surmised that they must also be present in England. He discovered a stone weighing 130 kg (287 lbs) in a couple’s backyard in Teesdale and is currently on the hunt for more of these ancient relics.

Stott’s goal is to shed light on the historical significance of lifting stones and their cultural value in the past. He wants to not only find these stones but also educate people on their importance and the role they played in the lives of those who used them. Stott believes that lifting these stones helps one get in touch with their primal strength and offers a glimpse into our earlier heritage.

Lifting stones date back hundreds of years and were a staple event in competitions such as the Highland games in Scotland. Many of these stones were used as tests of strength or for carrying out feats of great physical endurance. Some even had mystical or religious significance as they were believed to be imbued with magical properties.

In his quest to find more lifting stones in England, Stott hopes to raise awareness of this ancient tradition and the role it played in shaping the sporting events of today. He believes that these stones tell an unspoken history of the people who used them, and finding them is a crucial part of preserving England’s heritage

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