The Grey Stone, Approximately 350 Metres South East Of New Bridge

The Grey Stone is an ancient meeting stone located approximately 350 meters southeast of New Bridge. It is possibly prehistoric and consists of a large gritstone boulder that is roughly octagonal with a pointed top. On its north face, there is a notable cup-and-ring mark featuring four concentric circles surrounding a wider central circle, which contains several smaller circles, resembling a Celtic shield. The stone is situated on a promontory about 350 meters above sea level, directly opposite Harewood House and within sight of Great Armscliffe Crag at a similar elevation. Near the stone, worked flints and an axe have been discovered, and Professor Stuart Piggot from Cambridge suggests that the incisions on the stone date back to the same period as these finds, around 2000-1500 BC. The stone is significant as it may be the origin of the name Harewood. Professor Eilert Ekwall, editor of the Oxford Dictionary of English Place Names, corresponded with Mrs. S. E. Finlay and indicated that Harewood likely means "Grey Stones Wood." The Old English "Harawuda" is thought to be a shortened form of "Hara-stanes-wudu," meaning "Wood by the stones." The earliest recorded spelling of Harewood is "Harawuda," dating back to the 10th century.