Meyn Mamvro - No 058 - Autumn 2005

Magazine Overview

Title: MEYN MAMVRO
Issue: No. 58
Date: Autumn 2005
Price: £2.20
Publisher: Meyn Mamvro
Focus: Ancient stones and sacred sites in Cornwall.

Contents

The Autumn 2005 issue of Meyn Mamvro (No. 58) features a range of articles on Cornish ancient sites, paganism, and folklore. The cover highlights an exclusive report on a potential third labyrinth at Rocky Valley and a special stone found at Boskednan Barrow, alongside features on Bowsenning, pathways, fairy faith, Granny Boswell, and Cornwall's colourful sites.

Editorial

The editorial section, on page 1, is not detailed in the provided text, but it sets the tone for the issue.

Cornish Earth Mysteries Group

This section, on page 2, likely details activities or findings related to the Cornish Earth Mysteries Group.

Penwith Pagan Moot

Sarah Vivian writes about the ongoing activities of the Penwith Pagan Moot, including their rituals and Sacred Sites clearances. The Beltane Ritual took place at Helen's Oratory, Cape Cornwall, and the Summer Solstice Ritual was held near Ballowall. The article details the clearing of gorse and turf from sites like Boswens Menhir and Boskednan Nine Maidens Barrow, revealing more of the ancient structures. The moot also organizes monthly meetings in Penzance. The author notes that different writers will contribute to future editions.

Special stone found at Boskednan Barrow - Sarah Vivian

On page 5, Sarah Vivian details the discovery of a unique stone during a clearance event at Boskednan Nine Maidens Barrow on June 12th. While clearing gorse and turf from the barrow, a stone was uncovered with a distinctive blue-grey crystal marking, described as a seam running at an angle. The stone is noted for its strong shape and contrast with the plain brown granite, suggesting it held great significance for the ancestors.

Third labyrinth at Rocky Valley?

This exclusive article on page 8 discusses a significant new discovery at the Rocky Valley labyrinth site near Boscastle and Tintagel. David Roberts identified a faint carving above the two known labyrinths, which, when enhanced, revealed a third labyrinth. This new carving shares the classic Cretan 7-fold path style with a left-hand entrance, similar to the others. The article speculates that this third labyrinth might be older and raises questions about potential Irish connections, citing the triple spiral shape found in Celtic contexts and the historical contact between Ireland and Cornwall.

View from the Islands - Tyto Alba

This regular column by Isles of Scilly resident Tyto Alba, on page 7, describes the landscape of the northern coasts of the Isles of Scilly, shaped by ice ages. It mentions stones with grooves from ice action found on Bryher, Tresco, and St. Martin's. The article also focuses on the heathland of Chapel Down on St. Martin's and a statue menhir, estimated to be thirty-five centuries old, recovered from a field wall.

Pathways to the Past - 1 - Cheryl Straffon

This new feature, starting on page 8, explores paths that link lesser-known ancient sites in the Cornish landscape. The first walk described is a 2-3 mile route starting near Gurnards Head, covering Treen-Bosporthennis. The path includes Entrance Graves, a standing stone, a well, a Beehive Hut, and a courtyard house settlement. The Treen South Entrance Grave is highlighted as the best-preserved of four barrow sites in the area, with a chamber oriented towards the midsummer solstice sunset.

Cornwall's Colourful Sites

This section, on page 12, likely showcases visually appealing or historically significant sites in Cornwall.

Medieval Madness - the rôle of the sacred well - Sarah Head

Sarah Head's article on page 14 delves into the role of sacred wells during the medieval period, exploring their significance and practices associated with them.

The Fairy Faith in a Celtic Country - David Sivier

David Sivier's contribution on page 18 examines the beliefs and traditions surrounding the fairy faith within a Celtic context, exploring folklore and supernatural elements.

"Old and a trouble" - Granny Boswell - Jason Semmens

Jason Semmens presents information on "Granny Boswell" on page 20, possibly a figure from Cornish folklore or history, with the title suggesting a potentially challenging or intriguing character.

Book Review

On page 23, a book review is presented, offering an assessment of a recently published work relevant to the magazine's themes.

The Pipers Tune

This section on page 24 is likely a lighter piece, possibly related to music, folklore, or a concluding thought for the issue.

News Page - Cornish Earth Mysteries Group

Page 4 features a 'news page' from the Cornish Earth Mysteries Group, detailing talks held during the Winter/Spring season. Speakers included Pat Angove on 'The Sacredness of Sacred Sites', Marcus Mason on 'Eclipses, Planetary Grids and Soul Awakening', Gloria Falconbridge on 'Celtic Totem Animals in Myth and Legend', and Andy Worthington discussing 'Stonehenge and the Druids'.

Site Visits and Walks

• Several site visits and walks are documented:
• Beltane eve: A Maypole Dance on Carn Bosavern in St.Just, with music, dancing, and a bonfire.
• Three Wells Walk: A walk from Sancreed Church to Carn Euny Wells, then to Madron Baptistry Well, involving about two dozen walkers, including a visitor from California.
• Coastal Barrows and Settlements: A walk led by archaeologist Paul Bonnington around Nanjulian between St.Just and Sennen, focusing on features discussed in a previous issue.
• Sacred Sites on Bodmin Moor: A walk led by Cheryl Straffon to sites including Leaze stone circle, King Arthur's Hall, and Garrow Tor, with discoveries of 'hot spots' and an unmapped tumulus.

Genius Loci Advertisement

An advertisement for 'genius loci', a Cornish arts directory, appears on page 2, offering services in design, CDs, poetry, photography, sacred sites, yoga, and web design. Contact details and website are provided.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes interest in ancient sites, earth energies, and pagan traditions, particularly within Cornwall. There is a strong emphasis on preservation and conservation of these sites, with active involvement from groups like the Cornish Ancient Sites Protection Network and the Penwith Pagan Moot. The editorial stance appears to be one of advocacy for the understanding and protection of Cornwall's historical and mystical landscape, encouraging community involvement and research into its rich heritage. The publication also highlights local events, folklore, and the connections between ancient sites and spiritual practices.

Title: MEYN MAMVRO
Issue: 58
Date: Autumn 2005

This issue of Meyn Mamvro delves into the rich history and folklore of Cornwall, exploring ancient archaeological sites, sacred wells, and beliefs surrounding healing and the supernatural.

Archaeological Exploration in Cornwall

The magazine guides readers on a journey through Cornwall's ancient landscape. It begins by describing the Treen Common area, highlighting several barrows and two entrance graves. The Treen Common Entrance Grave (North) is noted for its diameter of 20ft and height of 3.5ft, with an entrance oriented SW, possibly aligned with the midwinter solstice sunset. The text speculates that these tombs, along with others, might have formed a ritual area celebrating points on the wheel of the year, with nearby settlement remains suggesting a community that built these monuments.

The article then leads to Bosporthennis Farm and the Bosporthennis Holy Well, once famed for its healing properties, particularly for skin diseases in children. The journey continues to the Bosporthennis Beehive Hut, described as one of the most remote and least-visited sites in West Penwith. This unusual structure, possibly part of an Iron Age settlement, consists of a round, corbelled chamber and a rectangular room, with its original purpose remaining uncertain. The text also mentions the Treen Common Stone Circle/Enclosure, an irregular elliptical ring of 14 standing and numerous fallen stones, larger than typical West Penwith circles, with its classification as Bronze Age, henge, or Iron Age settlement enclosure being unclear. A midsummer solstice sunrise alignment has been suggested for this site, and some visitors have reported experiencing altered states of consciousness.

Further archaeological features discussed include the third labyrinth at Rocky Valley and a shaped quartz seam at Boskednan Barrow.

Medieval Madness and Sacred Wells

A significant portion of the issue is dedicated to "Medieval Madness: The Role of the Sacred Well," authored by Sarah Head. This article explores the medieval understanding of illness, particularly mental illness, which was often attributed to external forces like evil spirits or natural influences. The common cure involved removing these perceived influences, with methods ranging from shamanic practices in pre-Christian times to the role of the local priest in the Christian era.

The article highlights the use of sacred wells as a tool for healing, a practice known locally as 'boswenning'. Nigel Pennick's work is cited, relating 'bowsenning' to ceremonies where pilgrims were immersed in healing waters to receive a saint's blessing. The text details the history and use of several Cornish wells, including Gulval, Nantswell, Roche, Altarnun, and St.Cleer. St. Gundred's Well at Roche is mentioned as having a peculiar ebb and flow with the tide, though its size made immersion unlikely. However, the well at St.Cleer is described as being several feet across and deep, and was used for immersing 'lunatics'.

A particularly chilling account is provided of the practice at Altarnun well, where individuals experiencing 'madness' were forcibly thrown into the water, a violent treatment intended to subdue their 'rage'. The article notes that while some recovered and attributed it to St. Nun, others underwent repeated treatments. The well at St.Cleer, associated with St.Clare, was also used for this purpose and was restored in 1864.

The article concludes by reflecting on the widespread nature of bowsenning in a time with limited understanding of mental health, acknowledging the lack of statistics on its efficacy and the potential dangers involved.

The Fairy Faith in a Celtic Country

David Sivier's article, "The Fairy Faith in a Celtic Country," explores ancient beliefs about witches and healers who derived their powers from supernatural sources, often referred to as the 'Good People' or fairies. It traces the evolution of these beliefs, noting how the church often reinterpreted them as devil worship. Examples are given from various cultures, including the 'Donas de Fuera' in Romania, 'trows' in Shetland, and individuals like Agnes Hancock, Joan Tyrrye, and Anne Jeffries in Britain, who were accused of healing with supernatural aid.

The article touches upon the Cornish experience with Anne Jeffries, who reportedly travelled to fairyland and gained healing powers, leading to her imprisonment by Jan Tregeagle.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the deep historical and archaeological significance of Cornwall, the enduring power of folklore and ancient beliefs, and the exploration of historical healing practices. The magazine adopts an informative and investigative stance, presenting historical accounts, archaeological findings, and folkloric traditions with a focus on their cultural and historical context. The editorial stance appears to be one of preserving and disseminating knowledge about Cornwall's unique heritage, encouraging readers to explore these sites and understand their historical significance.

Title: MEYN MAMVRO
Issue: 58
Date: Autumn 2005

This issue of Meyn Mamvro, a publication focused on Cornish culture, folklore, and mysteries, explores various aspects of local beliefs and historical figures.

Fairy Witches and the Old Faith

The opening article delves into the beliefs surrounding "fairy witches," suggesting they were not necessarily opposed to the Christian faith but rather held onto remnants of an older fairy faith. These witches were sometimes believed to have powers derived from a contract with the Devil or to work evil. The article mentions specific witches in 19th-century Cornwall, such as Jenny Harris, Old Joan, and Madge Figgey, who were said to raise storms. It also recounts stories of faeries, referred to as the "Good People," visiting markets, dancing, and interacting with humans, sometimes stealing babies but also helping people. The coexistence of fairy faith and Christian faith is highlighted, with an example of faeries reportedly placing their queen's grave in Lelant church.

The article includes a bibliography with references to works on witchcraft and Cornish folklore, such as Gustav Henningsen's "The Ladies from Outside," Robert Hunt's "Popular Romances of the West of England," and Christina Hole's "Witchcraft in England." Information is provided on how to obtain a Cornish translation of the article.

"Old and a Trouble": The Life of Granny Boswell

This feature article, written by Jason Semmens, focuses on Ann Boswell, widely known as "Granny Boswell," a 19th-century gypsy and itinerant pedlar from the Helston district, who was suspected of being a witch. While often remembered as a local "character," detailed information about her life has been scarce due to her itinerant lifestyle. Recent research has uncovered more aspects of her career and background.

Contrary to some accounts portraying her as a "white witch" or healer, contemporary sources suggest Granny Boswell was often a nuisance to civic authorities. She was known for begging, peddling without a certificate, and being frequently found drunk in the streets, leading to fines and short jail sentences. She was seen as an ambivalent figure in Helston, feared for her temper and sharp tongue, with people giving her alms to avoid her "evil eye" and ill-wishing. The article recounts an incident from 1906 where Captain Taylor claimed Granny Boswell, after being provoked by his father's motor-car, caused a steel tension-rod to break, which he saw as a confirmation of her ability to "ill-wish" objects.

Despite this reputation, Granny Boswell lived in comparative poverty in her later years. She was abandoned by her family and forced to seek parish relief in the Union Workhouse. The workhouse overseers attempted to evict her, but she was eventually returned to the tramps ward. Her conduct in the workhouse, including twice forcing her way into the board room, may have contributed to the overseers' reluctance to maintain her. The workhouse offered a "starvation diet" and expected tramps to break stone, a task many were unable to perform.

Granny Boswell died of "senile decay" on August 16, 1909, and was buried next to her husband, Ephraim Boswell, in the graveyard of Tregerest Methodist Chapel. The article includes details from her gravestone, which also commemorates other family members.

Book Review: Cornish Folklore Guides

The magazine reviews two booklets: "Walking through Cornish Folklore" and "Footloose in Cornish Folklore," both by Margaret Caine & Alan Gorton, published in 2005. These booklets are described as excellent value, offering stories, walks, information, and pictures related to Cornish folklore. "Walking through Cornish Folklore" covers 17 sections of Cornwall, featuring legends, myths, and folklore including King Arthur, Tristan & Iseult, saints, devils, piskies, fairies, smugglers, and witchcraft. "Footloose in Cornish Folklore" focuses on the west of the county and includes locations associated with giants, ghosts, smugglers, spirits, mermaids, witches, and more. Both books are praised for their sensitivity to Cornwall, seriousness about legends, and love of the land.

The Pipers Tune: Archaeology Debate

This section discusses a controversy stirred up by Henrietta Quinnell, President of the Cornwall Archaeological Society, and Nicholas Thomas, past-President, in "Current Archaeology" magazine. They criticized "Time Team's" approach to excavating ancient sites and argued against excavation as an activity for amateurs, particularly criticizing metal detecting. Their letter was seen as an "entrenched reaction" against the involvement of non-professionals in archaeology, contrasting with trends that encourage public participation.

Their letter provoked strong replies. Carol Kirby accused them of "elitism" and operating a "closed shop" system, suggesting they were living in an "exclusive world of academia." Guy de la Bédoyere, a Roman historian, was even more critical, sarcastically suggesting they focus on moralizing zeal against media and detectorists and set up "inquisitorial committees." The article notes that such actions might leave archaeology without archaeologists, except for the Cornish Archaeological Society itself.

Services and Noticeboard

Liz Allmark offers Astrological and Numerological Services, including birthchart printouts, interpretations, and character profiles. Contact details and prices are provided.

The "Noticeboard" section lists various upcoming events and activities in Cornwall related to earth mysteries, paganism, and new age spirituality. Events include talks on "Caves in Cornwall," "Megalithic Mysteries of Cornwall," and a "Yuletide Gathering" at Chûn Quoit. Pagan moots are scheduled in Penzance, Redruth/Camborne, Bodmin, St.Columb, and Bude. The "Cornwall's 15th New Age Festival" is advertised for November 25th-28th in Perranporth. Other events include a "Faery, Angel & Healing Fayre" in Penzance and "Mind, Body & Spirit Events" in St. Ives.

Information is also provided on subscribing to Meyn Mamvro, purchasing back numbers, and accessing content lists and indexes.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on Cornish history, folklore, and esoteric subjects, including witchcraft, paganism, and earth mysteries. The editorial stance appears to be one of promoting and exploring these aspects of Cornish culture, providing a platform for local researchers, authors, and event organizers. The inclusion of a book review and a debate on archaeological practices suggests an interest in both traditional knowledge and contemporary discussions relevant to the region's heritage. The "Noticeboard" section actively encourages community engagement with local events and groups.