Hemlock Stone
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The Hemlock Stone or Himlack Stone is a large rock situated in the town of Stapleford, Nottinghamshire, England.
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[edit] History
The Hemlock Stone has been proven to have been deposited on Stapleford Hill, opposite Bramcote Hills, in the early Triassic Period over 200 million years ago. Many theories surround how the Stone came into being.
Some believe it was created by nature, some that it was made by man. Most objects like this have been thought to have been carved by ancient people as a symbol of worship. The geological side of it suggests that the stone is merely the remains of the strata that once built up the whole district, as the surrounding area has a similar structure. They suggest that as the land around the Stone wore away over the millennia, the Hemlock Stone was just a harder piece of rock that has taken much longer to wear away.
Against this research, some argue that it is the work of ancient peoples and some christians believe it was sent up by the Devil.
[edit] Structure
Some believe that the Hemlock Stone used to be regular in shape and that erosion has wore away the Stone to give it its irregular and peculiar shape. The upper part of the Stone is black and weather-resistant due to it being heavily impregnated with barium sulfate in the form of barytes.
The black part of the Stone forms a protective cap over the lower part which has most likely prevented the Stone from the worst of the weather. The lower part is made of softer sandstone, which is responsible for the Stone's present shape due to weathering by water, ice and wind.
[edit] Modern Society
A large bonfire was lit on the top of Hemlock Stone in as one of the official beacons spanning the breadth of the country for the Golden Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II in 2002.
An annual event called the Hemlock Happening is held in the Bramcote Walled Gardens adjacent to the Stone. The outdoor festival lasts all day with fireworks at night and showing the talents of local schools, groups and individuals. The last Hemlock Happening that took place was on 7 June 2008.
