Ian's story
A mysterious stone with a long history of helping local people
Located next to Tadcaster Road, a hollowed-out stone stands in the eastern part of Hob Moor, known as Little Hob Moor.
In 1604, it was filled with vinegar or water to cleanse the money of those living with the plague in nearby lodges, which was then exchanged for food and supplies brought by visitors. Now, the Hob Moor Plague Stone collects donations for St Leonard’s Hospice.
Ian Tomlinson is a member of the group Friends of Hob Moor, which promotes the conservation, protection and improvement of the Moor. Here, he explains why he decided to use the Plague Stone in this way over 400 years later.
“It first started in March 2022. There was no water in the Stone then, as the only time that water got in there was when it rained. One day, as I was looking around the area, I noticed a small collection of pennies in the Stone, which I took and put in a charity collection tin.
“More pennies appeared a few days later, and this went on for two or three weeks. I wondered what was happening, and I thought, ‘If people are putting money in the Stone for a reason, I’d better tell them where it’s going.’
“That’s when I decided to set up a proper collection for St Leonard’s Hospice. It’s a charity that’s close to many people’s hearts, and it’s only one mile down the road from the Plague Stone.
“I created a sign so that everyone knew how the money donated was being used, and I was so pleased to see more donations appear in the following weeks and months.
“The Plague Stone’s purpose in the 17th century was to help local people, so it feels fitting that it’s being used to help others once again in the 21st century. Since March 2022, the Stone has collected £886 for the Hospice, and I hope we can continue raising money for many more years to come.”
