UPDATE: The capstone has now been found - dumped in a passing place on a road near Bradwell, Hope Valley.
Article on BBC news website: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-derbyshire-16782092
The capstone was taken sometime after Christmas |
National Trust senior warden Shane Bates said after a month of searching there was no trace of the capstone.
Anyone with information about the stone should contact the National Trust.
"We have been around the surrounding area, in the woodland and up and down the trackway to see if people have tried to move it, then got rid of it because it was too heavy," Mr Bates said.
He believes the Grade II listed piece of stone, which forms the top of the Hope Cross, may have been taken at night.
The value of the stone was more historical than monetary, he added.
The missing stone used to sit on the top of the shaft, secured by the spike and mortar. It's shown here; http://www.flickr.com/photos/59662214@N06/6736110081
ReplyDeletehttp://www.flickr.com/photos/59662214@N06/6736109701
Glad to hear it has been recovered. I'd be happy to provide a secure fixing detail for refitting it free of charge!
ReplyDeleteJohn Ruddy, Chartered Structural Engineer Accredited in Conservation, Capstone Consulting Engineers, based in the Peak District National Park