Mysterious Yorkshire continued

The Hitching Stone (NGR:  SD986417)
High on the moors above Cowling in West Yorkshire sits the Hitching stone.  Reputed to be the largest boulder in Yorkshire; the stone has a colourful and varied history. The stone, which is of glacial origin is a conspicuous landmark and as such has been used as a natural boundary marker for centuries. Not only do the township boundaries of Cowling, Sutton and Keighley meet here, the stone marks the boundary between the ancient counties of Yorkshire and Lancashire. A deep square cut niche has been carved in the western face into which one can climb with the help of a chain hanging from a bolt. This hole is known as the Druid’s or Priest’s Chair. When standing inside the niche and looking out towards the west, you are looking straight ahead at Pendle Hill and it is possible to watch the sun set behind the hill on the equinoxes.
Inside the hole is a strange circular tube which passes through the rock and exits low down on the external face of the boulder. During certain wind conditions, when the wind is blowing across the outer mouth of the tube a low humming sound is created. I understand that Geologists believe the tube was caused by a fossilised tree which has since crumbled away.

Another interesting feature of the stone is a three feet deep square cut pool on top. It appears to me to have been manmade, but for what purpose I could not say.

Local legend tells us that the stone was originally situated beside the abode of an old witch who lived on Ilkley Moor. This old crone took exception to the stone blocking her view and stuck her stick into the tube, hoisted the stone in the air and tossed it as a far she could from her home. The stone landed on Keighley Moor where it remains to this day. During the 19th century the boulder was the site of a Lammas Fair which is associated with the Harvest Festival, with horse races being held and other competitions.
Mick Melvin