Very difficult to find, the elusive Skarratts Stone 1894.
Charles Skarratt took part in shooting parties on Langsett Moors between 1887 – 1897.
The shooting rights belonged to Harrison & Harrison, Sheffield cutlers. Charles Skarratt
made his money from gold mining in Australia. He returned to live in London and may
have had a financial interest in Harrison & Harrison. Shooting parties took their lunch in
the Upper Hordron cabin, and returned for afternoon shooting at Laund. Skarratt
traditionally took a 10 minute rest near this stone to cure his fear of fog by a shot of
whisky.
The carving was instructed by newly elected 1893 Master Cutler George Howson who
had taken over the Harrisons cutlery firm. It has been well made, clearly by an expert
mason. Note the S without apostrophe. It has an un-natural straight edge at the top so
may have been pre-prepared and brought to the site by cart.
Writings and photograph courtesy of Mike Browell.