Bargain-Binding Stone, Goatscliffe

Stones such as this one, with a hole made in the top, are known to have been used for “Bargain-Binding” - the two parties would each put a hand into the opening, and shake hands. It is of course not known whether this particular stone was ever used in this way, but it's a good story! Its present use is as one side of a style in a wall through which a public footpath passes.

The “dear little old lady” is my mum - now sadly deceased. Would she have liked to have her photograph on the Internet, I wonder!?

(Information provided by Rosemary Lockie)