Meyn Mamvro - No 051 - Summer 2003

Magazine Overview

Meyn Mamvro, Issue No. 51, Summer 2003, is dedicated to exploring "ancient stones and sacred sites in Cornwall." The magazine, priced at £2.20, features a new color section and continues its focus on earth energies, paganism, Cornish pre-history, culture, megalithic mysteries, legends, and folklore.

Editorial and Reader Feedback

The editorial expresses gratitude for the positive feedback received on reaching issue number 50, noting that readers appreciated the magazine's existing style and format. The introduction of a color section in the center has met with universal approval, with many readers willing to pay more for it as a regular feature. Consequently, another color photo is included in this issue, featuring the axe-head carvings at Boscawen-ûn. A new feature of color photos of spectacular ancient sites will begin in the next issue. To cover rising costs, the price has increased from £2 to £2.20.

The 50-question quiz from the previous issue received a good response, with half a dozen entries nearly perfect. The answers are provided in the center pages, and finalists are engaged in a tie-breaker to determine the winner.

Additionally, the editorial highlights the significant effort by readers to compile an index of all Meyn Mamvro issues from 1-50. Raymond Cox is credited with creating a comprehensive 24-page index, accessible via the magazine's website (www.cornwt.demon.co.uk) or available in floppy disk or printed format for a fee. The magazine also offers a photocopying service for back issues and specific articles, noting that a reader has ordered the entire back run of issues 1-50.

Contents Overview

The issue's contents include:

• Editorial
• Cornish Earth Mysteries Group news and events.
• Penwith Pagan Moot reports and details.
• Lost and Found: Articles on the St. Martin's stone row and the destruction of the Grade Church holed stone.
• Readers Write... about Ursula Birdhood - Who Is She? by Daniel Cohen, exploring the identity and name variations of Ursula Birdhood/Birdwood.
• The Forgotten Wells of West Penwith: Part 1 - South [Penzance to Land's End] by Cheryl Straffon, detailing various holy wells in the region.
• 50th Anniversary Issue Competition results.
• SPOTLIGHT ON ... St. Breock Downs & St. Eval area.
• Perspectives from St. Breock Downs Barrows.
• Articles by Howard Balmer on St. Breock Kist-Vean, Engollan Standing Stones, and The Porthcothan Fogou.
• Fair Exchange.

Cornish Earth Mysteries Group (CEMG) News

The Autumn and Winter series of talks commenced on October 24th, 2002, with Michael Kent discussing "Egyptian Magic." He spoke about the Neteru and demonstrated kineaseology techniques. On November 28th, Jane Pugh presented "Adventures on the Inca Trail," including a video of her journey to Machu Picchu. The annual Yuletide walk up to Chûn Quoit on December 22nd, the Winter Solstice, was held despite misty weather, followed by Celtic Storytelling in St.Just. The 2003 program of talks included presentations by Howard Balmer ("Discovering St. Eval & Carnac"), Jan Machin ("Egyptian Goddesses"), Craig Weatherhill ("Legends of Ancient Sites"), and Jude Currivan ("Cosmic Geomancy"). Full reports will be in the next issue.

Penwith Pagan Moot

Sarah Vivian reports on the Penwith Pagan Moot's seasonal festivals, including a Winter Solstice celebration with a ritual focused on the birth of the sun child, and an Imbolc ritual at Sancreed House. The Moot meets monthly on the second Tuesday at Chy Gwella, Penzance, discussing topics such as pagan poetry and elemental meanings. Contact details for local organizers Sarah Vivian and Andy Norfolk are provided.

Sacred Sites News

Gûn Rith Takes a Tumble: The Gûn Rith menhir, located near the Merry Maidens stone circle, has fallen due to wet winter weather. Ann Preston-Jones of CAU plans to have it re-erected, possibly with a concrete base for stability. Some woodland hedge may also be cut back.

Lost & Found

St. Martin's Stone Row Lost Again: The Bronze Age stone row on Higher Town beach at St. Martins, Isles of Scilly, which emerged in the mid-1990s, has disappeared again, covered by sand. Only the top of one stone was visible in September 2002, serving as a reminder of how sands can both reveal and conceal.

Grade Church Holed Stone Destroyed: Reader Robin Ellis reports that the mysterious holed stone in Grade Church, Lizard, has been broken, with only its 'decapitated' head remaining. The stone, known for its powers and possibly a former pagan site focus, was either accidentally or deliberately destroyed. It was moved inside the church at some point and is now tragically gone.

Readers Write... about Ursula Birdhood - Who Is She?

Daniel Cohen investigates the name "Ursula Birdhood," referenced in a previous article about Padstow and the May Song. Cohen had always known the name as "Ursula Birdwood." His research, including listening to records and checking Internet sources, reveals conflicting spellings. While "Birdhood" appears more common online, the Devon Library's Local Studies collection and records of Ancient West Country families list only "Birdwood." Cohen speculates about a possible class distinction or regional difference between the names. He also notes that some folk singers believe the actual sung word might be closer to "Bird'ood," potentially related to "Robin Hood." The Editor's Note adds that Donald R. Rawe's 1971 work mentions "Birdhoods" as a well-known Cornish family, but they are not currently listed in the Cornwall telephone directory, suggesting the family name may have died out.

The Forgotten Wells of West Penwith: Part 1 - South [Penzance to Land's End]

Cheryl Straffon details the rediscovery and exploration of holy wells in West Penwith. The article highlights that while famous wells like Sancreed, Madron, Chapel Euny, and Alsia are well-known, many other obscure wells, once loved and visited, have been lost or forgotten.

• Giant's Well on St. Michael's Mount: Associated with giants Cormoran and Cormelian, possibly indicating a pre-Christian site. It was a principal water source and had associations with St. Keyne.
• Another Giant's Well on Trencrom Hill: Associated with the giant Trecrobben, possibly representing a ley line between hilltops.
• Well near Gulval: The holy well of St. Welvela, now destroyed, was known for its oracular powers.
• Ludgvan Well: Also destroyed, this well had powers related to protection from hanging and was possibly associated with St. Ludewon, an avatar of Bridget/Bride.
• Collurian Well: Located in Ludgvan parish, this well was noted for its unusually warm water rich in iron, sulphur, and naphtha, and was considered powerful for curing eye diseases. The name "Collurian" may derive from the Greek word for "eye-salve."
• Castle Horneck Well: Formerly located near Penzance, this chalybeate spring was also famed for curing bad eyes but has since been destroyed.
• Well at Rosehill Farm: A small, hidden well with no recorded history, possibly serving the farmstead or the Iron Age settlement of Lesingey Round.
• Well in Bone Valley: Located in Madron parish, this spring is choked by undergrowth. While a well-structure once existed, only ruined masonry remains. Quiller Couch noted in 1894 that it was "not used for purposes of divination" then, implying it once was.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on the mystical and historical landscape of Cornwall, particularly its ancient stones, sacred sites, and folklore. There's a strong emphasis on earth energies, pagan traditions, and the preservation of local heritage. The editorial stance appears to be one of appreciation for the magazine's traditional format while embracing subtle modernizations like color photography. The magazine actively encourages reader participation through letters, quizzes, and contributions, fostering a community around these shared interests. The recurring theme is the uncovering and sharing of Cornwall's hidden history and spiritual significance, often through archaeological and folkloric lenses.

MEYN MAMVRO | Issue 51 | Summer 2003

This issue of Meyn Mamvro delves into the rich tapestry of Cornwall's sacred landscape, with a particular focus on its numerous holy wells and ancient ritual sites. The magazine explores locations, legends, and historical significance, offering insights into the beliefs and practices of past peoples.

Holy Wells of Cornwall

The issue details several significant holy wells across Cornwall.

Nanceglos Well Located near Trengwainton Gardens, Nanceglos well is described as a wishing well with excellent water. It features a large stone trough and shute within a wall recess. The name 'Nanceglos' translates to 'church valley,' and the well may have originally belonged to St. Ithey.

Madron Well Madron Well, or its associated Baptistry, is a well-known site. The original well, situated in boggy ground about half a mile from the Baptistry, was made accessible through efforts by the Earth Mysteries Group and the Pagan Moot in 1999. A stone surround now marks the well's location. Interestingly, a nearby green mound is believed to be the lost St. Maddern's Bed, where pilgrims once slept for healing. The earliest record of pilgrims visiting Madron Well dates back to 1640, when John Trelille sought a cure for a broken backbone.

Other Wells Explored

• Venton Jean: South of Madron, this well is now marked by a spring and was historically known as 'Beggar Boys'.
• Lamorna Cove: A hidden well with a stone surround and clear water lies in the private woods on the east side of the stream.
• Alsia Well: A second, possibly original, Alsia Well with a stone surround is located on private land near Alsia Farm, claimed by some locals to be the true well.
• Leah Well: North of St. Buryan, this well features water flowing through a stone-lined underground chamber. Although lacking a specific saint's attribution or legend, locals believe its water was historically drunk for health.
• Goldherring: Located near a wind pump and a courtyard house settlement, this well is now concreted and capped.
• Anjarden Well: A natural spring with remaining stone structure.
• St.Levan's Well: Situated dramatically above cliffs near Portchapel Beach, this well is associated with St. Levan's hermit cell and a nearby church with its own legends.
• Sennen Cove: Formerly had a chapel and a holy well dedicated to St.Idne. An article in MM34 (p.4-5) previously covered its history.
• Sarah's Well: Legend states a 'holy woman' brought home a west wind by emptying this well.
• Lower Boscaswell: This holy well was known for collecting leeches.
• St.Piran's Well: Located at Perranaworthal or Perranzabuloe, it is associated with Cornwall's patron saint.

Ancient Sites on St.Breock Downs & St.Eval Area

This section, authored by Cheryl Straffon, highlights the St.Breock Downs and St.Eval area as a significant, yet often overlooked, region rich in ancient sites.

The Nine Maidens Stone Row Cornwall's largest stone row, The Nine Maidens, consists of six standing and three fallen stones. Alexander Thom suggested it pointed to the rising of the star Deneb in 2000 BCE. The Cornish Earth Mysteries Group dowsed the site in 1995, determining that there were originally 13 stones in the current 9-stone row, stretching approximately 900 yards. Unlike many stone rows on Bodmin Moor, these stones are substantial, standing about 5ft high.

Potential Double Stone Row A reference by John Norden in 1728 mentions 'The Sisters,' nine great stones on St.Breock Downs, and his drawing suggests a possible double stone row. The CEMG's dowsing in 1995 also indicated the presence of a second row running parallel to the existing one.

Stone Circles While the area lacks prominent stone circles like those found on Bodmin Moor and West Penwith, there is evidence of lost circles. Local researcher Howard Balmer rediscovered the remains of a stone circle in St.Eval Churchyard. Eddie Prynn also claimed a field at Engollan Farm contained a quartzerite stone circle, though the CAU deemed the stones a natural deposit.

Standing Stones The area boasts several standing stones, including: * Mên Gurtha: A 10ft stone weighing over 16 tons. * Longstone: Another significant standing stone. * The Fiddler / Old Man / The Magi: The stump of a former 7½ft menhir, which the Nine Maidens stone row points towards. * Music Water: A notable standing stone in the low-lying plain. * St.Eval Airfield stone: Another standing stone in the area. * Treburrick menhir: Discovered by Howard Balmer.

These quartzite standing stones are believed to have held ritual significance for Bronze Age peoples.

Barrow Cemetery A line of over 50 barrows runs along the ridgeway of the Downs, potentially aligned with the holy hilltops of Rough Tor and Brown Willy. These may have served as calendrical markers or ceremonial sites. Archaeologist Andy Jones suggests some quartzite stones found at the barrows were ritual offerings.

Perspectives from St.Breock Barrows

This section explores the deliberate construction of barrow pairs to mirror holy hilltops like Rough Tor and Brown Willy. On St.Breock Downs, a set of two tumuli performs this function, framing the view of these distant hills. The author recounts a visit in June 2002 where the specific viewpoint for this phenomenon was not marked, but the remains of a ploughed-out barrow were found, revealing the Bronze Age builders' intentions.

St.Breock Kist-Vean

Authored by Howard Balmer, this article details the rediscovery of a 'kist-vean' (small entrance grave) on St.Breock Downs. Originally recorded by W.C. Borlase in 1872, it was thought to be lost. Balmer reports its location and describes two main stones (A and B) and surrounding raised areas. The site offers a superb panoramic view and is speculated to have been an early ritual site.

50TH BUMPER BUNDLE COMPETITION (MM50)

This section provides answers to a competition, covering a wide range of topics related to Cornish folklore, archaeology, and mythology. Questions and answers touch upon:

• Archaeological sites visited by 'Time Team' (Boleigh fogou, Caervallack, Gear).
• Cromlechs (West Lanyon, Bosporthennis, Grumbla).
• The Mên-an-Tol holed stone.
• Stone circles (Nine Maidens, Boskednan, Boscawen-ûn).
• Fogous (Pendeen, Boscaswell).
• Cornish ceremonies (casting flowers into fire, offering fruits of the earth).
• Folklore figures (white lady, devil, witches).
• Cornish terms ('Venton Bebibell').
• 'Milpreve' (bead or stone ring).
• Holy wells (Newquay, Morwenstow, St.Levan's).
• Traditions (brass pins on Mên-an-Tol, Yule log).
• Stone circles (Tregeseal, The Hurlers).
• Chapel Downs Well (Sancreed Well).
• Ley lines.
• Stone circles (Mên-an-Tol, St.Eval Churchyard, St. Michael's Mount).
• Standing stones and altars on the Isles of Scilly (Old Man of Gugh, stone head on St. Martin's, pagan altar in Tresco Gardens).
• Labyrinths (Rocky Valley, St. Agnes, Boscastle).
• Early writers on Cornish sites (William Borlase).
• Folklore (Pee Tregear, Duloe stone circle, Boleigh fogou carving, Zennor & Sperris cromlechs).
• 'Feeper' whistle.
• Axe head carvings at Boscawen-ûn.
• Lower Boscaswell holy well (leeches).
• Standing stones (NE Piper).
• St. Michael's Mount ('Carreg Luz en Kuz').
• Witches' meeting place (Trewa).
• Stone circles (Porthmeor Nine Maidens, Zennor Cirque, Treen Common).
• Mermaid carving at Zennor Church.
• Chapel Idne in Sennen Cove.
• Harvest rituals ('Crying of the Neck').
• Folklore locations (Wiches Rock, Witch's Cross).
• St.Breock Downs stone.
• 'Arthur Stone' at Tintagel Castle.
• Bronze Age discoveries (sword, mirror, gold bracelets).
• John Trelille and Madron Well.
• Cornish sea-serpent (Morgawr).
• Ley lines (Michael & Mary Lines).
• Stone circles (Boscawen-ûn, Duloe, The Hurlers).
• King Arthur sites (Tintagel, Bodmin Moor, Slaughterbridge).
• Giants (Cormoran, Cormelian, Bolster, Trecrobben).
• Traces of Sillina and Bran.
• Holed stones (Tolvan Stone, Mên Frith).
• Eathorne menhir.
• St.Levan Churchyard prophecy.
• Inscribed stones.
• Folklore races (Spriggans, Knockers, Bucca).
• Harvest Goddess (Figgy Dowdy).
• Patron saint of Cornwall (St.Piran).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently emphasizes the spiritual and historical significance of Cornwall's landscape, particularly its ancient sites and wells. There is a strong focus on folklore, mythology, and the enduring connection between people and place. The editorial stance appears to be one of reverence for these ancient traditions and a desire to uncover and preserve knowledge about Cornwall's unique heritage. The inclusion of the competition section suggests an aim to engage readers and test their knowledge of local lore and history.

Meyn Mamvro, Issue 51, Summer 2003, is a publication focused on archaeology, folklore, and pagan interests, with a particular emphasis on sites in Cornwall and the surrounding regions. The magazine features articles by Howard Balmer and other contributors, along with information on related societies and publications.

Engollan Standing Stones

This article by Howard Balmer addresses the challenges of identifying standing stones in the Engollan area, near St. Eval. The author notes the difficulty in distinguishing between natural spar boulders and man-made megaliths, especially given the local practice of using large stones as gate-posts. Balmer discusses the possibility that some of these stones, some weighing over five tons, could be ancient megaliths or re-used gate-posts. He outlines a process of elimination, discounting natural formations and stones used as rubbing posts for animals, to identify those most likely to be 'proper' standing stones or possibilities thereof, given the area's richness in barrows and occupation sites.

The article includes a detailed map of the Engollan area, marking various stones (numbered 1-13) with their approximate locations and grid references. Several stones are described in detail: Stone no.1 is a 3½ft high 'playing-card' shaped stone; Stone no.2 is a 3ft pillar; Stone no.3, the Treburrick Menhir, is a bulky, elegant 7ft longstone; stones 4-7 are described as gateposts along a road near Downhill; Stone no.8 is a 3½ft stone with packing stones; Stone no.9 is nearly 6ft high and in a wall near Bedruthan Farm; Stone no.10 is a 3ft boulder that appears to be a toppled 6ft pillar; Stone no.11 resembles the stump of The Magi stone. Stones 12 and 13 are noted as having disappeared, with Stone 13 having been pushed into a pit and vanished due to the farmer's ignorance of its significance.

A special field trip to visit these stones with Howard Balmer was arranged for Sunday, July 6th, 2003, meeting at St. Eval Church.

The Porthcothan 'Fogou'

Howard Balmer also contributes an article on the Porthcothan 'Fogou', which he argues is not a true fogou but rather a Neolithic site, possibly a tomb. The real name is 'Vuga Hole' or 'Long Vuga', meaning 'cave' in Cornish. While the Cornwall Archaeological Unit (CAU) site history states it is a natural cave, Balmer believes it was an important Neolithic site. Located at SW8652 7134, the Vuga is reached via a path from Porthcothan Beach. It extends about 36ft into the hillside and requires crawling through a circular entrance. Inside, the roof is about 9ft high and the width is 5-6ft. The author describes the impression of being inside a whale or an upturned boat, noting prehistoric pick marks and depressions in the walls. A diagram illustrates the main entrance, a side chamber, and a secondary entrance. The site faces due east, and its symbolism is compared to Neolithic rock-cut chambers in France, Italy, Malta, and Menorca, which are often described as tombs.

Balmer found a Neolithic flint axe from Long Vugha at Truro Museum, linking it to the site. He dismisses theories of smuggling or Home Guard use, suggesting the shape, design, and orientation point to a tomb rather than a dwelling, as the small, low entrance would not allow firesmoke to escape. He compares the Porthcothan Vuga to two other known rock-cut Neolithic tombs in Britain and Ireland: St. Kevin's Bed at Glendalough and the Dwarfie Stane on Hoy. The article mentions tales of another Vuga in the valley and advises caution when visiting as the valley is private and home to wildlife. Bats inhabit the Vuga in winter, making it unsuitable for visits during that season.

A map of the Porthcothan Vuga location is provided, with directions and a note that access from the Pack Horse bridge to the Vuga is private, though arrangements can be made for small groups.

The Society of Ley Hunters

This section describes The Society of Ley Hunters as a forum for those interested in ley lines. The society does not have a single formal definition of a ley but recognizes various opinions. It aims to be a 'broad church' and welcomes co-operation with other organizations. The society undertakes cataloguing, indexing, and surveys of ley data to build a library of information. Members receive a newsletter and attend meetings with speakers, as well as site visits. Annual subscriptions are £10 (Jan-Dec), with a reduction for unwaged persons, and Life Membership is £250. Further information can be obtained from the Secretary and Newsletter Editor at Runetree Press, PO Box 1035, London W2 6ZX.

Fair Exchange

This section lists various pagan publications that Meyn Mamvro is exchanging with. These include:

• The Cornish Pagan Scene: A publication with news, views, and articles on the Cornish pagan scene, featuring regular sections like 'The Pagan Alphabet', 'Magikal Herbs', 'Calendar of Festivals', etc. Subscriptions are £17/year or £9/half year.
• Pagan Dawn: A 50pp quarterly magazine from the Pagan Federation, covering the pagan scene in Britain.
• Pentacle: A new-ish quarterly pagan magazine focusing on paganism, the environment, sacred sites, history, and archaeology, with Pagan News & Events.

Exchange Magazines

This section provides a directory of other magazines available for exchange, with their prices for annual subscriptions and sample copies. Titles include:

• 3rd Stone (archaeology, folklore & myth)
• Northern Earth
• T.E.M.S NEWS (Travel & EM Society)
• Touchstone
• FOGS (Friends of Grampian Stones)
• Caerdroia (mazes & labyrinths)
• Rilko (patterns)
• The Cornish Antiquary
• Dalriada
• Celtic Connections
• Pendragon (Arthurian)
• The Cauldron
• Wood and Water (Goddess)
• Quest (magical heritage)
• The Silver Wheel (Paganism, Craft, Druidry, Folklore)
• The Hedgewytch
• Pagan Dawn (Pagan Fed.)
• Pentacle (Pagan)

Noticeboard

The Noticeboard section lists upcoming events and activities:

• Beltane Celebrations: Maypole Dance & feast, Obby Oss Day, Pagan Moot, Three Wells Walk, Helston Flora Day.
• Cornish Earth Mysteries: Summer activities including visits to lesser-known sites, standing stones, and sacred landscapes.
• Summer Celebrations: Midsummer Eve bonfires, Mazey Day in Penzance.
• Penwith Antiquities Walk: With Ian Cooke.
• St.Just Wells Walks: Sundays in August.
• Pagan Moots: Meetings in Penzance, Truro/Falmouth, and St. Austell areas.
• Bude: Meetings last Thursday of each month.
• Friends of the Witchcraft Museum: Regular events and talks.
• Earth, Health & Mystic Fayre: Events in Penzance.
• Introducing Archaeology: A 5-week course with Toni-Maree Rowe in Penzance.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently features articles on local archaeology, particularly megalithic sites and ancient structures in Cornwall. There is a strong emphasis on paganism, folklore, and earth mysteries, evident in the 'Fair Exchange' section and the 'Noticeboard' listings. The editorial stance appears to be one of promoting interest in these subjects, providing practical information for enthusiasts (like field trip details and subscription information), and encouraging exploration and preservation of historical and cultural sites. The magazine acts as a hub for like-minded individuals and societies, fostering a sense of community around these interests.