Guidestone formerly near Bawhead

The Guidestone, located approximately 10 meters south of the Old Grammar School in Earby, dates from the 17th century or early 18th century, specifically before 1738. It stands about 2 feet high and features an inscription in relief that reads "TOSKIPTON/ TOCOLN" with no spacing between the words. The 'n' in "Skipton" and the second line are presented in mirror writing.

Historically, the right side of the stone is inscribed with "TO/ BLAC/ KBURN," with the 'N' being reversed. According to the Earby History Society, this suggests that the stone was originally located on Long Lane, near a now-lost settlement called Bawhead. The stone was discovered in the 1920s by workmen who were installing benches and was subsequently used as the base for a sundial at Cowgarth Farm until 1936. It was then moved to the council yard on Victoria Road in Earby. After the Second World War, it was placed in the memorial gardens in Sough, but was relocated in 1997 as it was thought to interfere with Remembrance services. Since no distances are provided on the stone, it is classified as a direction stone or guide stone rather than a milestone, as distances became mandatory on new stones after 1738.