Hundred Year Stone

The Hundred Year Stone, also known as the Centenary Stone, is an art installation set against the beautiful backdrop of Derwentwater, the surrounding fells, and the Borrowdale Valley, a short walk from Keswick. The "stone" is a chunk of andesite, a glacial boulder probably from the Borrowdale Volcanic Group of igneous rocks. This means it has been around a very long time, roughly 452 million years from the Ordovician age. It is a speck compared to its much bigger brother, the Bowder Stone, located further down the Borrowdale valley. The sculpture was commissioned by the National Trust to celebrate its centenary year in 1995. This milestone marked 100 years since the trust was first founded by social reformer Octavia Hill, clergyman Hardwicke Rawnsley, and solicitor Sir Robert Hunter. The centenary celebrations took place at St. Paul's Cathedral. The momentous achievements during this 100-year period saw the Trust becoming "the guardian of 580,000 acres of countryside in England, Wales and Northern Ireland; 545 miles of coastline; 230 historic houses and 130 important gardens." The stone, with an intricate pattern of 100 folds carved into both halves, symbolises the stability of this national treasure through a real piece of Cumbrian history that has stood the test of time for hundreds of millions of years.

The boulder was sculpted by renowned artist Peter Randall-Page, who has created incredible works of art for over 40 years, gaining national and international reputation with his large-scale commissions and exhibitions. It was safe to say the National Trust's commission was in safe hands. There are many of Peter's creations in both urban and rural locations throughout the UK, with permanent collections in the Tate Gallery and the British Museum. This guy seriously knows his craft. The Hundred Year Stone, just one of many of his creations, blends seamlessly into its surroundings. It can be seen from the path that encircles Derwentwater, and is easily approached when the waters are at a seasonal low.  Singularly, there is aesthetic beauty in its natural form, and creativity in artificial arrangement. But, collectively, it captures the essence of this beautiful landscape. The boulder has been here for a very long time, and it will remain here endlessly, until human intervention deems otherwise.  

The boulder is located on the northern edge of Calfclose Bay, overlooked by the Great Wood and Walla Crag. It sits proud on the water's edge during the drier, warmer months of the year. Don't be fooled though, during periods of prolonged rainfall, something not uncommon in the Lake District, the boulder can be partially or even fully submerged from view. From Calfclose Bay, the view across Derwentwater encapsulates the scene of the mighty Catbells towering over the lower slopes of woodland of Brandlehow. It was at Brandlehow where the National Trust were successful in protecting this picturesque lakeshore for the nation back in 1902. Amidst the expanse of water are two prominences in the guise of St. Herbert's Island and Rampsholme Island, also owned by the National Trust. 

Parking can be found at the nearby National Trust Great Wood car park, however, it is an easy and enjoyable walk from the centre of Keswick. The B5289 is a stone's throw distant, reminding us that even amongst the rawness of the great outdoors, we are never far from traffic.

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