By topic: 228
Hereford Times, 23 October 1923
In book: 133a
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Sun worship on Malverns (lecture by P. L’Estrange)

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The reputed sacrificial stone on the Malverns is referred to in The Old Straight Track (pp. 26, 101–102). There is no indication there that it needed “unearthing”, but perhaps the word is not meant literally.

SUN WORSHIP ON MALVERNS.


Lecture to the Hereford Geographical Society.


Though the theory that sun-worshipping was practised by prehistoric men lacks practical proof, the possibilities by far outweigh the doubts.

This was an impression that must have been gained by many of those who attended a lecture on “Sun worship on the Malverns,” given to the Hereford Geographical Society on Monday evening by Mr. P. L’Estrange (Malvern Geographical Society). In the course of his address, he stated that the original shape of the Herefordshire Beacon was probably made by sun-worshippers in 1350 b.c., when that part of the country was invaded by great astronomers who were “Whittaker’s AlmanacWhitaker’s Almanack” of that day. By black board diagrams, the lecturer endeavoured to illustrate the “coincidences’ connected with the egg-shaped circle on the top of the Beacon, and stated that next June, a few days before and after the longest day, it was intended to take observations of the sun with a view to unearthing a possible sacrificial stone, usually found in the centre such spots.

During the evening, a resolution expressing the members’ appreciation of the work accomplished by their President, Mrs. Lomax, who is shortly leaving Hereford, was passed.

 

Source info: MS note by AW “H TImes Oct 10 23”.