These are a few of the countless variations to be found in the structures people have built to cross boundaries. They are not generally recommended for all situations, but can add an interesting landmark to a walk.
Clapper or hammerhead stile
This is probably a design from the 18th or 19th Century, as it would have been ideal for use by ladies in long skirts. There were two examples of such stiles at Folkestone, Kent, and in a churchyard at Hungerford, Berkshire, which were called clapper stiles by a writer in ‘Country Life’ magazine. There is also one at Sissinghurst Castle, Kent. A modern equivalent has been built by K H C Trodd of the Forestry Commission at Sidwood Picnic Place, near Kielder, Northumberland, and his design is shown below.
Timber: (∅= diam)
| Posts | 2 of | 150mm ∅ x 1700 Cut pivot post slot 55 x 900 |
| Counterweight | 1 of | 150 mm ∅ x 1100 cut into three lengths of 250 and one of 350 mm |
| Rails | 4 of | 55mm ∅ x 1600 |
Fixings:
| Coach bolts | 4 of | 12.5mm ∅ x 175 |
| Dowel | 4 of | 12.5mm ∅ x 150 |
Stair stiles
There are many examples of these, both in wood and stone. Stone stairs are particularly associated with churchyard walls.
Timber:
| Stile posts | 2 of | 75 x 75 x 1600 |
| Rail | 1 of | 75 x 32 x 550 |
| Steps | 4 of | 175 x 50x 450 |
| Step supports | 4 of | 100 x 50 x 700 |
| 4 of | 100 x 50 x 950 |
Apple box stile
The design was seen, not surprisingly, at a fruit farm; Kings Coppice Farm, Cookham Dean, Berkshire. The sides of the boxes could be removed to improve the appearance of the stile, in effect using the boxes only as formwork for the concrete.
Barbed-wire covering
As a quick improvement to an existing stile, barbed wire can be covered either with a piece of pipe insulation, secured with tape or ties, or with a fertiliser bag folded over and tied with string. The latter, if of a bright colour, also acts as a waymark. Alternatively, the barbs can be removed using fencing pliers.
