* Astronomy

A monolithic stone was discovered at Bear Mead, 30 metres South of the River Stour, at the boundary of two fields in Bear Mead. Located at SY 986-993, it is normally covered by summer vegetation, but was known by the two neighbouring landowners. It appears to have toppled towards the South, trapping some old (c1815) "Inclosure Act" fencing wire under and around it. Approximate dimensions are 1.5 m high x 1.1 m wide (base) and 0.4 m wide (apex) x 0.44 m depth, volume about 0.41 cubic metres. The stone seems to be fine limestone, nearest source Purbeck (23 kms to the South and on Dorset's Jurassic coast). Such limestone has a density of 2,650 kg/cubic metres, suggesting an approximate weight for the monolith of 1,076 kg.

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