Coldrum Long Barrow - Folklore and Folk Tradition

Folklore and Folk Tradition

Local folklore first recorded in 1946 recounts the story that it is impossible for any human being to successfully count the number of stones at Coldrum. This "countless stones" motif is not unique to this particular site, and can be found at various other megalithic monuments in Britain.

It is a local tradition that the Hartley Morris Men, a morris dancing troupe, travel to the stones at dawn every May Day in order to "sing up the sun". This consists of a number of dances perforned within the stones on top of the barrow, followed by a song performed at the base of the stones.

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