Across the base of this stone which is close to the riverbank so easily seen, is an elfin figure and a macabre head, only visible on the magnified 2017 image (Paul Reeve). I have just spent a day’s work on it and have decided that Edward Lear and Dan Herbert have nonsensical wit, a sense of irony and anxiety in common. Lear was born in 1812, 10 years after Herbert. I am reading Mr. Lear by Jenny Uglow.

Starting at the right side of the stone as you look at it, find the foot and follow the leg, heel to the rump, then around and down the back to the left edge of the stone. There is the face of an elf with a pointed beard wearing an acorn cap. His two eyes gaze to the right passed his ear. He has a long curved nose, hardly visible and a moustache. Follow the line from the tip of his beard under his neck and along his forearm to his hand. It is holding a tiny face. The thumb projects over the bottom edge of the stone. Now, follow the line of his arm to the rounded elbow and back to his groin. Under the elfin man’s arm is a head in profile: facing the thumb is an open leering mouth with the upper teeth displayed. just beyond the angle of the mouth is a pointed ear. The nose is missing; I suspect he had horns. In the corner is a whiskered face, a rabbit or cat.