Stories Carved in Stone

Join local authors James and Mary Gage for a fascinating evening focusing on a collection of nine carved stones dating from 1645-1733.  These milestones, doorstones, and walkway stones were found within old Newbury and stand out for their prolific carved decorative designs, ranging from highly abstract geometric patterns to human figures.  The use of decorative art designs on such stones is isolated to the town of Newbury, raising a profound question: What unusual historical circumstances in Newbury prompted the creation of these nine uniquely carved stones?

Mary and Jim Gage's research uncovered the complicated and intriguing history behind these stones, and chronicled their connection to three generations of Newbury's leading family: the Dummers.  The stones are the work of seven different carvers, of whom five are known by name, and the events that they commemorate span the first century of Newbury's history.  Come hear the fascinating stories that these rare carved stones have to tell!