Is the stone in the middle of the hilly field really a giant fossilised oyster?
There are many stories about the stone in the middle of the Tuckett field – usually known as the hilly field – and the 5 trees surrounding it.
The stone has been described as a meteorite and the trees around it as a witches’ circle.
It is, in fact, a piece of pennant stone which has eroded into an oyster like shape.
The trees were planted to signify the five Tuckett brothers born in the Manor house. The poor soil has stunted the growth of the trees which were planted early in the nineteenth century.
The area was used as a pets' graveyard and the children’s favourite pony Tom Tit is buried under it. In later life one of the children wrote “he was almost like one of the family....He used to be allowed to come into the house sometimes and I have seen the parlour maid flying before his rush to secure the butter dish she was carrying out”.
The field was originally going to be used to build a house for the Tuckett family. The house was to be built at the top end looking out on to the man made pond at the bottom. The Tuckett family left it to the people of Frenchay for their enjoyment and recreation. It is now managed by Winterbourne Parish Council.
There are many stories about the stone in the middle of the Tuckett field – usually known as the hilly field – and the 5 trees surrounding it.
The stone has been described as a meteorite and the trees around it as a witches’ circle.
It is, in fact, a piece of pennant stone which has eroded into an oyster like shape.
The trees were planted to signify the five Tuckett brothers born in the Manor house. The poor soil has stunted the growth of the trees which were planted early in the nineteenth century.
The area was used as a pets' graveyard and the children’s favourite pony Tom Tit is buried under it. In later life one of the children wrote “he was almost like one of the family....He used to be allowed to come into the house sometimes and I have seen the parlour maid flying before his rush to secure the butter dish she was carrying out”.
The field was originally going to be used to build a house for the Tuckett family. The house was to be built at the top end looking out on to the man made pond at the bottom. The Tuckett family left it to the people of Frenchay for their enjoyment and recreation. It is now managed by Winterbourne Parish Council.
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