Meyn Mamvro - No 049 - Autumn 2002

Magazine Overview

Meyn Mamvro, Issue 49, Autumn 2002, is dedicated to exploring ancient stones and sacred sites in Cornwall. The magazine, priced at £2.00, features a cover illustration depicting a stone circle and mound, with a headline highlighting Bodmin Moor and King Arthur's Hall. The issue delves into various aspects of Cornish pre-history, culture, and folklore.

Editorial and Contents

The issue opens with an editorial and a comprehensive table of contents, outlining the diverse range of articles. These include 'Cornish Earth Mysteries Group', 'The Season's Round', 'Sacred Sites News', and a special 'Focus on Bodmin Moor & Town'. Specific articles cover 'Leskernick: More Survey Results', 'Holy Wells of Bodmin Restored', 'Decorating the Landscape - Propped Stones', 'King Arthur's Hall', 'Trewortha Bronze Age Farm', 'Dor Dama', 'St.Nectan's Kieve Abused', and 'Journey to the Waterfall'. The magazine also includes 'Book Reviews' and a 'Fair Exchange' section.

Editorial Stance and Site Management

The editorial, likely written by Cheryl Straffon, addresses the question of managing ancient sites in Cornwall. The author reflects on the threat of overuse and excessive attention from various groups, including tourists and New Agers. The discussion explores potential management strategies such as discreet signposting, voluntary site guardians, and the possibility of an 'Ancient Sites Management Officer'. The article highlights the recent clear-up at Madron Baptistry and Well as a successful example of discreet management achieved through networking and communication between official and alternative groups. The principle emphasized is that effective management should be subtle, enhancing the visitor experience without being overtly apparent.

Cornish Earth Mysteries Group Presentations

Page 4 details the Winter/Spring 2002 programme of presentations by the Cornish Earth Mysteries Group. These included:

• "The Carn, the Knocker and the Reliquary: Rock-ancestor dreaming in the prehistoric South-West" by Dr. Caradoc Peters, exploring past beliefs about spiritual dimensions and natural places, linking ancestor spirits to living rocks and Cornish tin miners' beliefs.
• "Haunted Penwith" by Ian Addicoat, a local ghost-hunter who discussed the supernatural world, the reality of ghosts, and explored Penwith's most haunted location, Pengersick Castle.
• "The Goddess in the Temple: Life Death and Rebirth at Maltese Temple Sites" by Cheryl Straffon and Sheila Bright, sharing insights from their visit to Malta and Gozo, focusing on megalithic peoples, ritual, and Goddess figurines.
• "Peculiarities: folklore, legends and artefacts of the Helston area" by Martin Matthews, covering topics such as folk cures, witchcraft, and local legends, including the display of a 'Celtic head' found on a pagan site.

The Season's Round

This section covers seasonal events in Summer 2002:

• 14th annual Maypole Dance on May Day Eve at Carn Bosavern, St.Just, a popular event for the local pagan and alternative community.
• Beltane ritual organized by the West Penwith Pagan Moot at Sancreed House, involving ribbon tying on a tree arch, Irish blessings, and individual journeys for cleansing and reflection.
• 14th annual Three Wells Walk on the first Sunday in May, a tradition to visit wells for healing and divination, covering 12 miles and highlighting the natural beauty of the landscape.
• Penwith Pagan Moot Summer Solstice ceremony at Merry Maidens, featuring a staged fight between the Oak & Holly Kings.
• Mazey Day Serpent Dance in Penglaze, described as exciting and lively.

Sacred Sites News

This section reports on several archaeological and historical findings:

• Old Kea Churchyard Stone Mystery: A unique, quasi-circular pillar with a collar found in Kea churchyard near Truro. Professor Charles Thomas suggests it might be a pre-Christian menhir incorporated into the site, calling it "a real mystery".
• Boskenna Cross Takes Another Tumble: The Boskenna Cross on the Lamorna-St.Buryan road was felled for the third time. Local witch Cassandra Latham alerted the Cornwall Archaeological Unit for its repair. The cross had previously been hit by an army lorry in 1941 and dislodged in 1992.
• Sancreed Well Path Now on Definitive Map: The disputed churchway path from Sancreed Church to the Well has been legally enforced. However, there is a possibility of the footpath being diverted, which would lead to a tribunal hearing.

Focus On.. Bodmin Moor: Leskernick - More Survey Results

This article, by Tony Blackman, builds on previous coverage of Leskernick Hill on Bodmin Moor. It details findings from the current edition of 'Cornish Archaeology' (No.37), identifying two stone circles (Leskernick North and South) and a stone row. The Leskernick North circle, originally around 22.5-23m in diameter, had 27-29 stones. A large whale-back stone near the centre may have been part of the circle's construction or a fallen standing stone. The stone row, 317m long, runs across the plain, with only two stones still standing. The article discusses the potential significance of the stream crossing as a liminal boundary and the view of Rough Tor. It also references the 'pseudo-quoit' and its midsummer sunset alignment, noting that the stone row deliberately stops to allow a clear view of it from a 'viewing mound'.

Focus On.. Bodmin Town: Holy Wells of Bodmin Restored

This section details the restoration of Bodmin's holy wells, part of a £100,000 scheme. The wells are now linked by a town trail.

• St.Petroc's Well: Located in Priory Park, it was known as St. Guron's Well in 1635. A wooden statue of St.Mary with baby Jesus, believed hidden during the Civil War, was found inside and is now at Buckfast Abbey.
• St.Guron's Well (second location): Situated at St. Petroc's Church, this well is linked to the church's original site, with water issuing from gargoyles carved with AD 1545. It was the town's main water supply until recently.
• Other wells: The Eye Well (formerly Bree Shute Well) off Dennison Road, known for healing eyes, and Cock's Well at Chapel Lane, which supplied water for locals and a blacksmith.
• Scarletts Well: Bodmin's most famous well, described by Richard Carew in 1600 as attracting "folk flocking thither in huge numbers". Its waters were noted for their multi-coloured appearance, suggesting mineral content. The well has been restored and offers a peaceful spot for contemplation.

A leaflet on Bodmin's Well Trail is available from the TIC.

Decorating the Landscape - Propped Stones' on Bodmin Moor

By Tony Blackman, this article reveals new discoveries related to stone settings on Bodmin Moor. It describes the investigation of a stone setting on Leskernick Hill, initially thought to be from WWII, which was identified as a Neolithic structure dating back approximately 5700 years. The article discusses the 'pseudo-quoit' and its midsummer sunset alignment, noting that the stone row's placement facilitates a view of this feature from a designated 'viewing mound'. The classification of settings into 'Definite', 'Probable', and 'Possible' bands is mentioned, with input from Cambridge University academics.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Meyn Mamvro revolve around the rich tapestry of ancient sites, sacred landscapes, and folklore in Cornwall. There is a strong emphasis on archaeological research, the preservation and management of historical sites, and the spiritual or pagan significance attributed to these locations. The editorial stance appears to advocate for a sensitive and discreet approach to site management, prioritizing the enhancement of the visitor experience while minimizing overt human intervention. The magazine also serves as a platform for local community groups, such as the Cornish Earth Mysteries Group and various Pagan Moots, to share their activities and findings.

Title: MEYN MAMVRO
Issue: 49
Volume: 49
Date: Autumn 2002

This issue of MEYN MAMVRO delves into the archaeology of Cornwall, with a significant focus on Bodmin Moor and surrounding areas. It highlights recent discoveries of stone settings and provides an in-depth analysis of a prominent site, King Arthur's Hall, exploring its potential functions and historical context.

Newly Recognised Stone Settings

The magazine begins by noting the recognition of more stone settings on Bodmin Moor and in West Penwith, following initial evaluations. Two settings were identified on Carn Galver in West Penwith, with a possible associated smaller setting nearby. The article mentions that similar settings have been recognised on Pew Tor, suggesting that more such monuments may be identified as awareness grows. A possible site was also identified on Gugh (Scilly) during a recent CEMG visit.

Photographs illustrate some of these findings, including 'Tony's Stone' on Kilmar Tor and 'Tansy's Stone' on Roughtor, both on Bodmin Moor. The article references contact with Professor Richard Bradley of Reading University and Dr. Vicki Cummings of Cardiff University, who has been supportive of the research. Peter Herring from HES (CAU) is also mentioned for re-visiting the 'Cannon Stone' on Carburrow Tor with a fresh perspective. The study is described as young, allowing for open discussion and the formulation of opinions from various disciplines.

Archaeological Dating and Erosion Shadows

As yet, these monuments cannot be securely placed within a specific archaeological period, with only the probable dating of the Leskernick 'Quoit' serving as a guide. Modern science has not yet developed definitive techniques for assessing the age of erosion shadows observed at the base of some stones, and tests like radio-chlorine dating are expensive and university-controlled. The article suggests that future archaeologists might benefit from extremely accurate surveys of these monuments to track the increase in erosion shadow size as an indicator of erosion rates.

Examples of identified stones include the 'YAC Stone' on Twelve Mens Moor, Bodmin Moor, which clearly shows an erosion shadow under the top stone. The monuments are noted for not fitting a secure construction pattern or immediately suggesting a single reason for their erection, prompting a call for a less dogmatic approach to their interpretation.

'James' Stone' on Twelve Mens Moor is also highlighted, recognised by James when he was 12 years old, and noted for appearing to point to an area of lowland now occupied by Langstone Farm.

King Arthur's Hall: Monument or Pound?

The main feature of this issue is an extensive examination of 'King Arthur's Hall', a rectangular banked enclosure on Bodmin Moor, by Diana Coles. The site, situated on a slight ridge, is described as being visible from close up to the south and for about a mile from the north. Nearby are a pair of ruined stone circles. The banks are constructed of gravelly earth and rough stones, revetted by upright stones, with 14 remaining upright, 25 leaning, and 13 fallen. Peter Herring estimates a total of 138 stones, many possibly beneath the collapsed bank. An inturned stone is noted in the south bank, and the banks are approximately 1m high and 6m wide. The rectangle is aligned north-south with an entrance gap in the southwest corner, possibly for drainage, and a ditch outside the hall. A berm runs inside the standing stones, and the interior is scooped out, containing standing water. Traces of cobbling were discovered in the northwest corner by a 1986 RCHME survey.

The article traces the history of references to King Arthur's Hall, noting its location between manors in 1086 and the first printed reference by John Norden in 1584, who described it as a place where King Arthur supposedly resorted. Early maps from 1610 and 1813 are also referenced, showing its position relative to paths.

Various uses and periods have been suggested for the site. Early writers proposed a prehistoric origin, and John Barnatt concluded in 1982 that it was a prehistoric ceremonial site, possibly contemporary with stone circles. Aubrey Burl considers it a 'megalithic rectangle' and draws parallels with other D-shaped enclosures and alignments in Brittany and Stonehenge, noting the north-south alignment of King Arthur's Hall, similar to Kerlescan.

Burl suggests that the proximity of these 'un-British shapes' to Brittany hints at shared ritual centres for overseas travellers. The article also notes the potential for continental links during the Bronze Age, evidenced by treasures found in the Rillaton Barrow.

Other writers, including Tregelles and Lewis, suggested it might have been a pound for impounding stray animals. Peter Herring proposes an early medieval date for this function, suggesting it was the responsibility of the Trigg hundred. Arguments for this theory include the lack of other candidates for the Trigg pound and the architecture facilitating animal entry and containment.

The author argues that these functions are not mutually exclusive, suggesting the structure might date from the Bronze or Neolithic period and was later utilised for other purposes. The re-use of earlier structures is common, as noted by Butler regarding Dartmoor pounds. Peter Herring has observed similar re-use of Bronze Age huts as shelters in the early medieval period.

Questions are raised about the construction sequence, with possibilities including building it all at once or a free-standing quadrilateral later being banked. The awkward siting of the entrance and lack of gatepost stones argue against it being originally built as a pound. A purpose-built pound would likely have had provisions for secure gating.

Peter Herring considers the Hall to have been a present feature in the establishment of later Medieval boundaries, suggesting it was in place in the earlier pre-Norman landscape. W.G. Hoskins' observation that boundaries are ancient features is cited, and prehistoric monuments were often used to establish them. The effect of scooping out the bank material has formed a permanent pool of water inside the monument. Hencken considered it a 'problematic site' and suggested it must be at least as old as the Bronze Age if it wasn't originally meant to hold water.

Norden's plan does not show the southwest gap, raising questions about whether it was opened later. If so, it might not have been used as a pound. The in-turned stone is suggested as a possible surviving portal for an earlier entrance.

The article concludes that King Arthur's Hall was likely constructed during the late Neolithic or early Bronze Age, possibly as a free-standing monument, with the bank added later, and subsequently adapted as a drift pound in the early medieval period. The use of large, unwieldy stones for a pound is questioned.

Spot a Stone & Have It Named After You!

An initiative is presented inviting readers to 'stone-spotting' and to identify and name more 'propped stones'. Tony Blackman's work in naming stones after those who recognised them is highlighted as a way to give status and personalise the landscape. Points to look for include location (near prehistoric settlement areas), distinctive stones with possible alignments, and 'erosion shadows' under topstones.

Earth Mysteries Guide and Bronze Age Craft

Advertisements are included for 'The Earth Mysteries Guide to Bodmin Moor and North Cornwall', which has been reprinted with new sections, and for 'Bronze Age Craft' workshops, offering hands-on experiences in ancient technologies and crafts.

Visionary Experience on the Isles of Scilly

This section features a personal account by MM reader Julie Walker of a visionary experience on the Isles of Scilly. While staying on St.Marys, she was initially told by the spirits of a sacred site to return later. Upon her return, she experienced a meditative state on a grassy mound, feeling a connection to a 'temple' of a figure named Sillina, described as a 'daemon' or power animal, a lion-like young male animal. She describes a scene of people mowing grass in boat-shaped formations, singing and blessing 'Mother Earth' (Sillina). The experience, likened to strong dreams, stayed with her for days. A second winter retreat on St.Martins is also mentioned, where she continued to sing and bless the land. She reflects on the body postures described in Belinda Gore's book 'Ecstatic Body Postures' and how they might relate to invoking specific experiences, connecting her own experiences to carrying grass and using a 'water-bottle' as a drum.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the interpretation of ancient monuments, particularly megalithic structures and their potential multiple uses across different periods. There is an emphasis on encouraging open-minded research, moving away from dogmatic statements, and involving readers in the discovery process ('Spot a Stone'). The magazine also touches upon the broader context of prehistoric landscapes, ritual practices, and the connection between ancient sites and the natural environment. The editorial stance appears to be one of promoting archaeological investigation, historical inquiry, and the sharing of personal experiences related to heritage sites.

MEYN MAMVRO | Issue 49 | Autumn 2002

This issue of Meyn Mamvro focuses on themes of spiritual sites, archaeology, folklore, and pagan practices, with a strong emphasis on Cornwall.

St.Nectan's Kieve Abused

By Shane R. Gary, this article details a visit to St.Nectan's Kieve on February 15th, where the author and a friend were shocked by the state of the site. They found it covered in 'hideous rubbish' and graffiti, describing it as a 'refuse tip'. The rubbish included plastic items, key-rings, cigarette lighters, bottles, and even a computer-printed penguin figure in a plastic bag. Hundreds of pieces of slate and rock faces were scrawled with names. The author and friend spent several hours removing the rubbish and cleaning the site. They were disappointed by the unhelpful attitude of the owners when asking for rubbish bags. The article questions the responsibility of the 'guardians' of the site, who are meant to ensure it is treated with respect and reverence, citing the site's description as one of the 'ten most important spiritual sites in the country'. The author suggests legal protection is needed against such vandalism.

Journey to the Waterfall

This is a guided visualisation by Sarah Head, designed to help the reader let go of hurtful emotions and accept love. It involves sitting comfortably, breathing in peace and breathing out sorrow, then imagining a journey to a well and waterfall for cleansing and spiritual awakening. The visualisation includes symbolic actions like tasting the water, drinking a few drops, pouring the rest as a libation, and making a sacred mark on the forehead. The journey continues through a wooded valley, across a stream where leaves with written hurts are released, and finally to a waterfall where the reader is invited to wade in and be washed clean. The visualisation concludes with a feeling of being loved and clothed in light.

Book News & Reviews

Prehistoric Cooking by Jacqui Wood

Reviewed by CS, this book is praised for its practical experimentation in reconstructing the food and cooking methods of prehistoric peoples. Jacqui Wood, an archaeological consultant, draws on evidence such as bone remains, charred grains, and food remains to reconstruct the lifestyle from the Mesolithic to the Iron Age. The book details various food types and includes recipes for meals made from ingredients available to these peoples, such as sweet fruit bread, nettle-leaf cheese, and mutton stews. The reviewer highlights Wood's quote: "You will have just as much chance of rediscovering a real prehistoric recipe as anyone else. The past does not just belong to the professional archaeologist or university academic, it belongs to all of us."

Dowsing in Devon and Cornwall by Alan Neal

This book is described as an interesting anecdotal account of finding and identifying underground features by dowsing. Alan Neal, an experienced local dowser, avoids the excesses of the 'New Age School of Energy Lines'. The book covers his findings at St.Clether's Well, identifying the date of the altar and the earliest oratory. It also discusses dowsing for water and tracing the route of Charlotte Dymond's murder.

Crosses and Churchyard Paths in the Land's End Peninsula. Vol 5: Madron & Morvah by Ian McNeil Cook

This is the fifth volume in a series documenting crosses and trackways in West Penwith. This particular volume covers Madron and Morvah, including well-known crosses, the Four Parishes Stone, Mên Scryfa, and crosses in Penzance. It also records the restoration of Parc-an-Growes.

Music and Art

Sue Aston: Sacred Landscapes

This section features music inspired by the landscape of Celtic Cornwall. The album is described as 'gorgeous - beautiful and moving and so redolent of Sacred Cornwall', and highly recommended by Cheryl Straffon.

Genius Loci - The Spirit of Place

This initiative supports the landscape of Cornwall through music, art, and teachings, featuring Cassandra Latham, Sarah Vivian, and Rose Farm. Their website is geniusloci.co.uk.

The Pipers Tune

This article reports on the sensational discovery of an unknown play from the Middle Cornish period, written in the mid-16th century. The play, found in the National Library of Wales, is about the life of St.Kea and features a large section on King Arthur. It is considered substantial new evidence about the cult of St.Kea and King Arthur's importance in Cornwall, and is the only known secular play surviving in Middle Cornish, and possibly the only medieval play featuring King Arthur from Western Europe.

Fair Exchange

This section reviews articles from other magazines relating to Cornwall:

• The Cornish Antiquary (No.5 May 2002): Features articles on "The Mystery of the St.Just Bronze Bull" by Lorraine Evans and "The Museum of Witchcraft: 50 years of controversy" by Graham King.
• The Cauldron (No.104 May 2002): Includes an article on "Cornish Curses" by Kelvin I.Jones.
• Pendragon (Vol XXIX no.4 Winter 2001-2): Features an article on "Avalon: the Cornish Connection" by Beryl Mercer.
• 3rd Stone (Issue 42 Spring 2002): Includes an article by Andy Norfolk on "Smoke and Mirrors: Scillonian Stone Rows".
• Dalriada (Vol 17.Issue 1): Features news from Cornwall in its "News from Celtic Lands" section and a column on the political history of Kernow.

Exchange Magazines

A list of magazines available for subscription is provided, including their prices and websites. Categories include SACREDSITES/EARTH MYSTERIES, PAGAN/CELTIC/ARTHURIAN, and others.

Noticeboard

This section contains various announcements:

• C.E.M.G. presents "Stone Circles Grow Up": A slide presentation by Aubrey Burl at The Acorn, Penzance on September 6th, 2002.
• CORNISH EARTH MYSTERIES: Talks on Egyptian Magic (Michael Kent) and Adventures on the Inca Trail (Jane Pugh) at Acorn, Penzance.
• Yuletide Gathering: An annual event at Chûn Quoit on December 22nd.
• Membership details from CEMG: Contact information for Andy Norfolk and Cheryl Straffon, and website.
• VISIONARY VISIT TO ATLANTIS: A day workshop with Herbie Brennam on September 7th.
• INTRODUCTION TO PAGANISM: A workshop by Geraldine Andrew from the Paleolithic to the Present Day at Truro College, starting September 24th.
• PAGAN MOOTS: Listings for meetings in Penzance, Camborne, Truro/Falmouth, St.Austell, Bude, and Wadebridge.
• CORNWALL'S 12TH NEW AGE FESTIVAL: November 22nd-25th at Ponsmere Hotel, Perranporth.

The Round Season's

This section details several summer events:

• 14th annual Maypole Dance: Held on May Day Eve at Carn Bosavern, St.Just, with music, food, drink, and bonfire jumping.
• Beltane ritual: Organised by the West Penwith Pagan Moot at Sancreed House, involving ribbons on a tree arch, a poem, individual journeys, and cleansing fires.
• 14th annual Three Wells Walk: On the first Sunday in May, recreating the tradition of visiting wells for healing and divination, covering 12 miles.
• Penwith Pagan Moot Summer Solstice ceremony: Held at Merry Maidens, featuring a staged fight between the Oak & Holly Kings and the Mazey Day Serpent Dance.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes interest in Cornwall's ancient sites, folklore, Celtic heritage, and pagan practices. It encourages engagement with these topics through articles, book reviews, event listings, and personal accounts. The editorial stance appears to be one of appreciation for the region's history and spiritual significance, while also highlighting issues such as the preservation of sacred sites and the exploration of ancient traditions. There is a clear focus on community events and the sharing of knowledge within the pagan and alternative communities.