Spectator Christmas Crossword

[wrd123]

Have two I just cannot get:

39D: Emperor, king and earl on gravel ridges (6) KEAS_R
I'm convinced these letters are correct but would have expected whatever the answer is to end in 'OSAR' for the gravel ridges...

51D: Grave with 500 bones (6) ST_R_A
My thinking is stern(a), but I can't see how 500 leads to 'A'


Many thanks for any help - these have been driving me crackers and I would have posted closer to Christmas but AnswerBank wouldn't let me reset my password. I gave up in the end and created a new account.

[Captain2]

51d I went with 'sterna' too; Neveracrossword, confirm A = 500 in Chambers.

see here

https://www.theanswerbank.co.uk/Quizzes-and-Puzzles/Crosswords/Question1820571.html

[bobbinwales]

I seen sterna before.i think 500 can be A aswell as D.

[ProfessorMaisie]

'asar' for the ridge

[bobbinwales]

Was there a instruction on some toignore a letter
Keasar looks right

[ProfessorMaisie]

sorry, 'ridges' (asar is plural)

[Neveracrossword]

Captain2, thanks - I initially thought you were asking, or instructing, me to confirm the A= 500!

[Captain2]

Yes, Nac, I realised I'd missed my '-ed' off afterwards.

PS don't think I'd ever have the nerve to 'instruct' you!!! :))

[Neveracrossword]

Captain2, it's fine - and I smiled when I realised I had been leaping to the wrong conclusion (something I do on a regular basis).

[wrd123]

Thanks so much everyone! I'll have to remember 500 can be A as well...