tjj
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Edited Jul 23, 2018, 21:19
'Under the Rock' - Benjamin Myers
Jul 23, 2018, 21:11
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I have never been to Yorkshire, an omission I must rectify - especially now I'm reading a fascinating book by someone new to me called Benjamin Myers who, although originally from the north east, moves from London with his partner to Mytholmroyd in the Upper Calder Valley - under the shadow of Scout Rock. Among many other things he has a deep interest in the poet Ted Hughes who was brought up in Mytholmroyd and who references the 'dark rock' in many of his poems.
Myers likes to make lists, in his chapter Wood he makes a list under the heading of "Stones, Ruins, Cairns, Boulders, and Geological Curios of the Upper Calder Valley" ...
The Devil's Rock
Rudstoop Monolith
Robin's Hood Penny Stone
Robin Hood Rocks
Churn Milk Joan
Miller's Grave
Great Rock
Midgley Moor Standing Stone or Greenwood B
Two Lads
Roms Hill Stone
New Edge Chalybeate
Scout Rock
Bridestones
Slack Bottom Stone
Turley Hole Stones
Turvin Stone
Stones Farm
Standing Stone Hill
King Common Rough
Rocking Stone
"The soil is rich with stories to pique the interest of the curious. It is the Yorkshire way to mythologise, and the only thing that spoils a good story is the truth."
Under the Rock - The Poetry of a Place by Benjamin Myers
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Under-Rock-Poetry-Benjamin-Myers-ebook/dp/B077FPX3YL
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moss
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Re: 'Under the Rock' - Benjamin Myers
Jul 24, 2018, 08:51
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Recognise a lot of Ted Hughes poems in that list, his book 'Remains of Elmet' with the dark sad photographs by Fay Godwin, is a book I treasure.
The Bridestones...
http://www.themodernantiquarian.com/site/5481/great_bride_stones.html
The Calder valley is quite dismal though with its high sided hills and the stark depression of an industrial history that once was.
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tjj
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Re: 'Under the Rock' - Benjamin Myers
Jul 24, 2018, 09:21
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Thanks for commenting Moss, I think you would enjoy the book, if you haven't already come across it. Benjamin Myers weaves his relationship with his dog Cliff (Heathcliff) into the narrative in a clear sighted unsentimental manner.
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