Whitby Horse Mounting Blocks

The mounting block. SEANETTA (Atlas Obscura User)

During the 18th century, stones like this dotted the mail routes of Yorkshire. The primary mode of transportation during these times were horses or horsedrawn carriages. These mounting blocks let riders hop up onto their steeds with relative ease.

It’s not surprising to find these stones located outside a pub, considering drivers and riders were often in need of sustenance, liquid or otherwise. It’s also not uncommon to find steps carved into the stones to aid with clambering onto an unstable target.

The mounting block outside The Little Angel was part of the mail route that operated in the area towards the end of the 19th-century. A courier service functioned from this locale at least three times a week. There is no indication that the stone was derived from a megalithic location.

Know Before You Go

There are two locations in Whitby, one is just outside The Little Angel Pub on Flowergate Street, the other is near St. John Ambulance at 5-15 St. Hilda's Gardens, YO21 3AA. As these stones are in public view, they are free to see anytime, night or day.