The Priest And Clerk
Crag, Rock And Cairn In Rothbury, Northumberland
Two weathered rock formations representing a priest and his clerk on the banks of Cartington Hill in Rothbury.
The last time I was up on Cartington Hill in Rothbury I spied something on the map called The Priest And The Clerk. However on that occasion it was a bit clarty so I decided to save it for next time.
So I ventured up again on a more clement day (in all honesty it was too hot!) to see if I could find them.
I couldn't find any information on the stones other that they were made of sandstone, so I asked AI to find out some details. It replied with this wonderful story.
One of the most enduring tales associated with the Priest and Clerk stones involves a priest and his clerk who were turned to stone. According to the legend, the priest was a local clergyman known for his corrupt and immoral behavior. He often engaged in sinful activities, disregarding his duties and leading a life far from the virtuous path expected of a man of the cloth. His clerk, who was his close companion and accomplice, followed him in these misdeeds.
One stormy night, while they were traveling over the moors, they were struck by a divine punishment for their sins. A lightning bolt from the heavens struck them, turning them both into stone as a symbol of divine retribution. These stones, now known as the Priest and Clerk, stand as a stark reminder of the consequences of a life led astray from righteousness.
When I further pressed AI about sources for the story, it did admit it had made it up based on how local folklore stories in the region were written. Still a great yarn.
Now I am going to be honest and say that there is no clear path to The Priest And Clerk and it is surrounded by heather and bracken in all directions. My suggestion is to climb to the second cairn on Cartington Hill and then yomp your way across moorland straight east. Then just head back the way you came. Don't try and head down the hill as it will be even more difficult terrain.
Sat on the nearby crags and had a quick snack of Fruity Malt.
Some chunky rocks keeping them company.
I wave goodbye to The Priest And The Clerk before traipsing back over the heather.
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How To Find The Priest And Clerk
Where Is The Priest And Clerk?
Lat / Long
55.340812, -1.916073
What three words
Where To Park For The Priest And Clerk?
Lat / Long
55.307635, 55.307635
What three words
Park in the Cowhaugh car park just south of the river.
Contributed by Simon Hawkins
Thanks for checking out this place on the Fabulous North! I do enjoy a wander out in to the countryside trying to find hidden gems that not many people know about. You can't beat a rogue pele tower up a remote hill, a mysterious stone circle or a stunning waterfall secluded in a forest.
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