Churn Milk Joan: A Calder Valley Mystery (Artwork)

High on Midgley Moor, with the stunning Calder Valley sprawling below, stands a silent sentinel known as Churn Milk Joan. This impressive standing stone, also called Churn Milk Peg or Nelmires Stoop, reaches a height of approximately 7 feet, a towering testament to centuries of history.

Thought to have been erected as a boundary marker, its presence has been documented as far back as the 17th century. Imagine, for a moment, the countless generations who have walked past this stone, each with their own stories and their own connection to this rugged landscape.

The name "Churn Milk Joan" itself is steeped in local legend, believed to have originated in the early 19th century. It's said to be a poignant tribute to a milkmaid who tragically froze to death while attempting to cross the treacherous moor during a severe snowstorm, making her way from Peckett Well to Luddenden. A sombre reminder of the harsh realities faced by those who lived and worked on these unforgiving lands.

But Churn Milk Joan isn't just a historical relic; it's also a focal point for some fascinating local legends. One popular belief is that leaving a penny in the depression on top of the stone will bring you good luck. So, if you ever visit, perhaps try your luck and contribute to this ongoing tradition!

Another intriguing claim, steeped in mystery, suggests that the stone spins three times on New Year's Eve. This magical rotation is said to occur when the bells of St. Michael's Church in Mytholmroyd can be heard echoing around it. What makes this even more remarkable is that the stone is thought to predate the church by a couple of hundred years, adding another layer to the mystique surrounding this ancient monument.

Churn Milk Joan is more than just a stone; it's a window into the past, a keeper of local folklore, and a testament to the enduring spirit of the Calder Valley. Next time you're exploring the moors, keep an eye out for this captivating landmark and perhaps even leave a penny for good measure!

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Churn Milk Joan, A Moorland Mystery

Standing sentinel on Midgley Moor, overlooking the breathtaking Calder Valley, is a stone steeped in history and legend. Known by many names – Churn Milk Joan, Churn Milk Peg, and Nelmires Stoop – this imposing 7ft monolith has watched over the valley for centuries, its origins shrouded in time.

First recorded in the 17th century, the stone is believed to have served as a boundary marker, a silent witness to the ebb and flow of life across the moors. But its more colourful name, Churn Milk Joan, didn't appear until the early 1800s, and with it came a tale as chilling as the moorland wind.

Local legend whispers of a milkmaid, caught in a ferocious snowstorm, who tragically froze to death while crossing the treacherous moor from Peckett Well to Luddenden. They say the stone was named in her memory, a poignant reminder of the harsh beauty and unforgiving nature of the landscape.

But Churn Milk Joan isn't just a monument to tragedy. It's also a source of local folklore and superstition. Legend has it that placing a penny in the hollow atop the stone will bring you good luck. And if you're brave enough to venture to the moor on New Year's Eve, you might witness a truly magical spectacle. They say that as the bells of St. Michael's Church in Mytholmroyd echo across the valley, the stone itself spins three times! A captivating thought, especially considering the stone predates the church by a couple of hundred years. What secrets has it witnessed in its long vigil?

So, the next time you find yourself exploring the Calder Valley, take a detour to visit Churn Milk Joan. Stand in its shadow, feel the wind whipping across the moor, and let your imagination wander. Is it just a boundary marker? A memorial to a lost milkmaid? Or a magical stone with the power to grant good fortune? Perhaps it's a little bit of all three, a testament to the rich tapestry of history and folklore woven into the very fabric of the Yorkshire landscape.

The picture was taken on the 5th April 2021.

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