Wednesday 2nd February 2000
Around Danby and Danby Beacon
Lockwood Beck Reservoir
Freebrough Hill on
Moorsolm Moor - rising to 821 feet, it is of entirely natural
geological formation,
an Oolitic cap left behind whilst glaciers eroded the surrounding
softer rocks
Looking west from Three Howes Rigg towards Commondale & Kildale Moor
looking north to Danby village from Ainthorpe
Duck Bridge, near
Danby Castle - spanning the River Esk, it bears the arms of the
Nevilles who succeeded to Danby in 1380.
The original was probably medieval but was restored by Mr George
Duck of Danby, c. 1717, hence the present name
More views of Duck Bridge . . .
. . . . note the
depth gauge next to the present 'bridge' - the Esk can soon rise
rapidly after heavy rain.
I'm willing to bet the old bridge will still be standing long
after the modern version has been washed away
Danby Beacon - one of a series that were erected across the country to warn of invaders
This viewpoint
indicator stands about 50 yards east of the Beacon and enjoys the
same extensive panorama
- here we are looking north towards Scaling Dam reservoir and,
just on the horizon, we can see glimpses of the North Sea
Lying about 500
yards west of Danby Beacon are a few remains of the the site of a
World War 2 Radar Station - the plaque reads
"THE MOUND BEHIND THIS MARKER HOUSED THE EQUIPMENT WHICH
DETECTED AND LED TO THE SHOOTING DOWN
BY FLT. LIEUT. PETER TOWNSEND OF THE FIRST ENEMY AIRCRAFT TO FALL
ON ENGLAND - 3RD FEBRUARY 1940"
see illustrations and maps of what Danby Beacon Radar Station looked like in 1942
or read the story of the shooting down of the first enemy plane on English soil during World War II
Seconds after reading the plaque I turned and witnessed, as if in tribute, this 'fly-past'
This 'tumulus' ,
grazed by sheep and typical of many on the North York Moors, is
the site of an ancient burial ground
- most have been excavated and, as well as skeletal remains,
weapons and personal belongings
to those who perished have been found in the graves
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