Coldrum Stones

Rob Wilson has taken on the pages concerned with the Coldrum Stones in Kent. If you have any information, questions, pictures, thoughts, poetry, centred on the Coldrum Stones, please send them to cerdinen [at] aol [dot] com( Rob).

The Coldrum Stones, Neolithic Long Barrow
Trostiscliffe, Kent (TQ654607)

Remains of the chamber

At the foot of the steep slope of the chalky North Downs, lies a place that holds the stories of the Neolithic Ancestors of the Medway valley. Kent is not known for its prehistoric megaliths, yet here deep in this valley where the weald expands beyond to the horizon; sits one of the best preserved long barrows in the south east. It’s a place of immense peace and tranquillity; even the sceptical and insensitive of people never fail to be touched by its presence of serenity. William Borlas in 1754 wrote in his, Antiquities of Cornwall, that Coldrum’s name was believed to have been derived from the Cornish word 'Galdrum', meaning a 'Place of enchantment', whether this is true or pure romanticism, it is a place of enchantment! The Greenwood Grove has developed a sound relationship with the current owners, the National Trust; to the extent where we have become extra eyes and ears for the protection of the site and liaising with the Trust on its use by local pagans. Indeed many other local pagan groups and individuals do the same.

On these pages you can find out about the archaeology and spirit present of this rare gem in Kent’s spiritual crown.

Back of the chamber looking east

NEWS - Current Work at the Site

Regular visitors to the Coldrum Stones would have noticed that some trees have been cut down. I have contacted the National Trust and they have confirmed that they have carried out the work as part of the on going management plan and persevation of the site. Here is the response from the Head Warden for Kent:

"As a Special Monument Site there is always concern that historic sites can be damaged by roots of trees progressing under the ground and disturbing the archaeology. This work was authorised for the National Trust to complete and is in keeping with other trees we have removed from the site every 5 years or so. There are no more plans to remove
further trees and as you may have observed the large Ash tree has received substantial expensive tree surgery to both retain it and make the foot path network safe for visitors. The sole objective of the recent work to remove the small trees is to retain the site in its best condition for as long as we are able".