5000 years ago, in a time before modern civilization, the Neolithic people of Dartmoor, UK, crafted and strategically placed a monumental 27-feet high standing stone made of enduring granite at the exact spot where The Oxenham Arms pub now stands. This awe-inspiring stone, steeped in ancient history, has silently borne witness to the passage of time and the evolution of the world around it.
Fast forward to about 800 years ago, when The Oxenham Arms pub was constructed in close proximity to this prehistoric marvel. The builders of the pub, perhaps unknowingly, decided to integrate the standing stone into the very foundation of the establishment, ensuring that this ancient relic would forever be a part of the heart and soul of the pub.
As one enters The Oxenham Arms today, one cannot help but be struck by the seamless blending of history and modernity. The 27-feet high granite standing stone, with its weathered facade and mysterious aura, serves as a reminder of the enduring legacy of the Neolithic people who first placed it there millennia ago.
Descend into the depths of the pub, down into the cellar where the foundations of the building lie, and you will find that the ancient standing stone extends all the way down into the earth, firmly anchoring itself in both the physical and symbolic core of The Oxenham Arms. It is as though the stone itself is a guardian of the pub, keeping watch over all who enter and imparting a sense of ancient wisdom to those who pause to ponder its significance.
The melding of the ancient and the contemporary at The Oxenham Arms is a testament to the enduring power of history and heritage. In a world that is constantly evolving and changing, this pub stands as a beacon of continuity, connecting the present to the past in a tangible and profound way.
So, the next time you find yourself at The Oxenham Arms, raise a glass to the Neolithic people who first set the monumental granite stone in place, and to the builders who recognized its significance and preserved it for centuries to come. In this convergence of ancient history and modern hospitality, may we find inspiration and reverence for the enduring legacy of those who came before us.