"The Story of the Stones"
23rd of January, 2026
“THE STORY OF THE STONES”
During the year of 2025 several Coping Stones were removed, now let's be clear they were stolen, from the boundary wall of Rufford New Hall between Rufford and Holmeswood.
The stones that have stood since development began in the 1760’s were removed at intervals and from various places along the wall, and looked like this was to continue, that is until the Rural Crime Police got involved acting on a tip off from a local resident.
The stones were subsequently tracked to an address in Wigan and were soon on their way to the location where numerous stones of various types valued at between £15 and £25k were found.
Later that day, under the supervision of the Rural Crime Police, an operation was launched involving local residents from the Community of Holmeswood to attend site and recover the stones and bring them back to Holmeswood.
A major operation indeed, and very successful not only returning “our” Coping Stones but others from around the area, which will be returned to their rightful owners in due course.
We, as a Council had been keeping “Greenbelt”, the owners of the wall fully informed along the way and subsequent to a meeting with their Area Operations Manager a plan was made to reinstall the Coping Stones.
We have to thank Anthony James Construction Company Ltd and his team along with local resident and parish councillor Matt Smith for undertaking this work free of charge, demonstrating the pride and the community spirit we enjoy. Well done to all involved and thank you!
We have continued communication with Greenbelt, and believe we have built a relationship to help resolve any future issues that may occur.
Greenbelt have been so appreciative of the communities’ efforts they agreed to donate £500 to the Parish Council which will help with future projects. Thanks to Greenbelt its very much appreciated.
The perpetrators who thought it was okay to steal the Stones was arrested in connection with the offences and will likely be prosecuted this year by the Rural Crime Police and we understand not only for theft but indeed a heritage crime, and hopefully they will receive their “Just Rewards”.
We have to thank all concerned for Rural Crime Police for attending the address and arresting the person involved, for all the personnel who attended the site to recover the stones, in particular Anthony James Construction Ltd and his team for reinstallation and Cllr Matt Smith for his unwavering support.
And last but not least for Greenbelts’ donation. Much appreciated!
Thanks to all, and there were many involved you know who you are, for an overall successful and great operation!
Lawson Pryke
Cllr and Vice Chair; Rufford and Holmeswood Parish Council.