History, tourist information, and nearby accommodation
The stone is about 26 feet in height above ground, and extends underground an unknown amount, possibly over 15 feet deep, which would make the stone a staggering 40 feet plus in length.
The stone is made of rough conglomerate moorstone grit, quarried and shaped in the Cleveland Hills, west of Whitby. It must have been transported by river (probably via the Rye or Derwent) and then hauled laboriously up to Rudston on wooden rollers. The size and hardship of the undertaking suggests that it was a matter of extreme importance to the architects of the monolith, and must have involved a large force of people.
The monolith was set up in the Neolithic period, probably about 2000 BCE. So it predated the church at Rudston by over 2500 years, meaning that the Christian church builders deliberately chose this site to associate their religious centre with a long-established location of some significance.
The monolith is signposted off the B1253 road through Rudston village.
Most photos are available for licensing, please contact Britain Express image library.
About Rudston Monolith
Address: Rudston, Yorkshire, England
Attraction Type: Prehistoric Site
Location: In the churchyard of All Saints church in Rudston. Well signposted.
Rudston Monolith Photos
Photo Credit: David Ross and Britain Express
Opening Details: Open access site, usually accessible at any reasonable time
We've 'tagged' this attraction information to help you find related historic attractions and learn more about major time periods mentioned.
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NEARBY HISTORIC ATTRACTIONS
Heritage Rated from 1- 5 (low-exceptional) on historic interest
Rudston, All Saints Church - 0 miles (Historic Church)
Boynton, St Andrew's Church - 2.4 miles (Historic Church)
Burton Agnes, St Martin's Church - 2.7 miles (Historic Church)
Burton Agnes Manor - 2.7 miles (Historic Building)
Burton Agnes Hall - 2.9 miles (Historic House)
Kilham, All Saints Church - 3 miles (Historic Church)
Burton Fleming, St Cuthbert's Church - 3 miles (Historic Church)
Grindale, St Nicholas' Church - 3 miles (Historic Church)
Nearest Accommodation to Rudston Monolith: