The blowing stone is located at the bottom of Blowing Stone Hill which is on the road between Lambourn and Kingston Lisle.
The stone is capable of producing a booming sound, when anyone with the required skill blows into one of the perforations in a particular way. This was, according to legend, the means whereby King Alfred summoned his Saxon troops, in readiness for the nearby Battle of Ashdown, against the Vikings. This legend reputedly gives rise to the village’s name, ‘King’s stone’, the Lisle suffix being a later addition.
Also, according to legend, a person who is capable of making the blowing stone sound a note that is audible atop Uffington White Horse Hill (where Victorian antiquarians thought King Alfred’s troops had camped) will be a future King of England.
How do you blow into the blowing stone to make a noise?
The Blowing Stone has large and long ‘root-holes’ one of which is capable of making a noise if it is blown like a trumpet. However, when attempting to trumpet, the effort required and skill necessary is quite considerable! The blowing hole is on the top, apparently the secret is simply to close the hole completely with the mouth and blow. I have never tried but apparently my Grt Grandfather had the skill! Good Luck if you get to try this.
Regards
Liz
Lambourn Website