Mission Report: The Hoe Stone

The Hoe Glacial Erratic

Coordinates: 

52°42'48.0"N 0°55'36.8"E, allegedly the centre of Norfolk (if you believe rocks).

Objective: 

Investigate an unnamed glacial erratic in the village of Hoe, establish its origins, and determine whether it is worth the petrol costs.

Report:

The target, a large glacial erratic now dubbed The Hoe Stone, lies stranded in the flat wilderness of Norfolk. Likely deposited during the last Ice Age, it might have been dragged here by glaciers—or perhaps in the 1890s by an overzealous antiquarian with too much free time.

Folklore suggests this boulder marks the exact centre of Norfolk. Whether this is based on scientific measurement or rock-fueled conspiracy is unclear. Further interrogation of the stone provided no answers.

Comparisons to its more famous sibling, The Merton Stone, leave this boulder feeling underwhelming. It remains unnamed, unnoticed, and largely forgotten, yet stoically defiant of nature’s and humanity's attempts to erase it.

Assessment:

• Historical Value: Middling. It’s just a rock with an ambiguous backstory.

• Scientific Interest: Moderate. Glacial erratics offer insights into Ice Age glaciation.

• Tourism Potential: Nonexistent. Visit only if you’re emotionally attached to rocks or need an excuse to avoid family obligations.

The grass triangle, where The Hoe Stone is found

Recommendations:

Not worth your time unless you’re seeking low-stakes geological disappointment. However, for those intrigued by Norfolk’s rockiest mysteries, it’s a chance to ponder why Norfolk even bothers with landmarks at all.

Conclusion: 

The Hoe Stone stays where it is. And so should you.