Meyn Mamvro - No 068 - Winter 2009

Magazine Overview

This issue of Meyn Mamvro, number 68, published in Winter 2009, is dedicated to exploring ancient stones and sacred sites in Cornwall. The cover prominently features the title 'MEYN MAMVRO' with the subtitle 'ancient stones and sacred sites in cornwall'. The main cover headlines highlight articles on 'Honouring the Ancestors on the Scillies' and 'Hannibals Carn & Carn Gulva Area', with a note that all photos are now in full colour. The price is listed as £2.50.

Contents

The table of contents reveals a diverse range of articles and news items. It includes an editorial, news on CEMG & Dowsing, a report on the SOL Moot 2008, and features such as 'Going Scilly - Laurence Main', 'Lost & Found', and 'News'. Specific articles delve into 'New' Penglaz at Montol Festival, 'Remote & Ancient Places in W.Penwith: 5 Hannibals Carn' by Raymond Cox, 'In-Site: Carn Gulva & local sites', and 'Honouring the Ancestors on the Scillies' by Cheryl Straffon. Book reviews and a series titled 'Pathways to the Past: From the Tamar to Lands End:1' by Cheryl Straffon are also featured, alongside a piece on the Penwith Pagan Moot and 'The Pipers Tune'. The magazine also provides contact details for Meyn Mamvro publications and orders.

Stones of Our Motherland: West Penwith Moors Debate

A significant article discusses the ongoing debate surrounding grazing and fencing on the West Penwith moors. The Save Penwith Moors Group has achieved a success with the withdrawal of an application for grazing and fencing by the Nine Maidens Downs Commoners. However, the HEATH Project continues to support landowners in managing other parts of the moorland. The article details fencing plans at Lanyon Farm and Carnyorth Moor, and grazing plans at Carn Gulva, involving cattle grids. The author acknowledges both sides of the argument, noting that while fencing reduces open access, it also helps manage overgrown gorse and bracken that obscure prehistoric sites. A personal anecdote describes the pleasure of walking on Bodmin Moor where gorse is controlled by grazing, but also the issue of cattle churning up a stone circle site. The article concludes that there is no easy solution to these problems.

Cornish Ancient Sites Protection Network & Friends of Cornwall's Ancient Sites

Information is provided for two organizations dedicated to protecting ancient sites in Cornwall: the Cornish Ancient Sites Protection Network (CASPN) and Friends of Cornwall's Ancient Sites (FOCAS). Contact addresses, websites, and phone numbers are listed for inquiries, membership, and reporting damage to sites.

Dowsing News and Activities

Several articles detail recent dowsing activities. The Celtic Dowsers visited St.Piran's Round, reporting a pleasant feeling, a blind spring, energy lines, and a negative energy line. Another visit to Mawnan Church, known for Owlman sightings, revealed unusual energies, hot spots, and down spirals. The group speculated about a portal for supernatural manifestations. They also explored Bronze Age hut circles and an Iron Age hill fort near the Helford River. A CEMG group, along with West Cornwall Dowsers, visited Carn Brea, examining the Hill Fort and Neolithic ramparts, and discussing legends of an underground tunnel. They also visited Carwynnen Quoit, where the Sustainable Trust is involved in its restoration. The Celtic Dowsers also explored the Chysauster Iron Age courtyard house settlement, noting varied energy levels and discussing its abandonment. The article mentions the possibility of ergot poisoning affecting ancient inhabitants of Carn Brea.

Sol Moot in Cornwall - Sept 08

This section revisits the annual Ley Hunter Moot, which took place in West Cornwall in September 2008, hosted by CEMG. It draws parallels with a similar event in September 1990. The 2008 moot included a joint CEMG/SOL field day, with visits to Tregeseal stone circle and the holed stones on Truthwall Common. Discussions focused on the purpose and meaning of these stones, and energy lines were detected. The group also visited Chûn Quoit and explored energy lines from Chûn Castle. In the evening, Cheryl Straffon gave a talk on 'Megalithic Mysteries of Cornwall'. Subsequent days involved visits to Madron, Lanyon Quoit, Mên-an-Tol, Men Scryfa, and Nine Maidens stone circle, along with talks on 'Song Lines'. Further exploration included Sancreed holy well, Caer Bran, Carn Euny settlement, Chapel Carn Brea, Crows-an-Wra, and Trencrom Hill, where ley lines were discussed. Some participants extended their stay with a week of ley hunting on the Isles of Scilly.

Going Scilly with Laurence Main

This article details a trip to the Isles of Scilly by five individuals following their Moot in Cornwall. They visited St.Marys, Tresco, and St.Martins, exploring various sites including Bants Carn entrance grave, Halingey Down settlement, and alignments of stones. Bryher is described as particularly nurturing, with an entrance grave overlooking sweeping bays. The article mentions the 'Scilly Zodiac' and key ley points found, such as the Long Rock menhir and entrance graves. A guided walk on Samson revealed evidence of prehistoric burials. Visits to St. Agnes and Gugh included exploring the 'Old Man of Gugh' standing stone and a rock formation at Nag's Head. The Eastern Isles, including St. Helens and Tean, were also visited. The article concludes with a mention of visiting the Museum on St.Marys, highlighting artifacts related to the Goddess.

Lost and Found: Carvannel Menhir Discovered & Caerhays Stone Visited

Chris Sawle reports the discovery of a possible hitherto unrecorded standing stone near Carnmenellis Hill, which is now serving as a gatepost. The stone is described as over 7ft high and 4ft broad. An alignment to a barrow on Carnmenellis Hill and Burras menhir was confirmed, and the stone dowsed as having a gentle energy field. The magazine also reports on a visit to a small standing stone above Porth Luney beach near Caerhays Castle. This stone is aligned to Gull Rock at the midwinter sunset and visually to Carne Beacon.

News: Archaeologists Return to Boden Vean, Roman Neck Ring Found, Bronze Age Bones Found

Archaeologists, led by James Gossip, have re-visited the Boden multi-phased site in Manaccan, focusing on an earlier Bronze Age Roundhouse. Finds suggest ritual abandonment practices. In Newquay, a 1st century CE Roman neck-ring, found in 1966 and authenticated by the British Museum, has been reported. This find increases evidence of an early Roman presence in the South West. On Constantine Island, part of a Bronze-Age man's skeleton was discovered in a stone cist, a rare find as Bronze Age people were usually cremated.

'New' Penglaz at Montol Festival

This article discusses the revival of the Penzance Midwinter festival, Montol, which includes 'Penglaz'. The festival, interpreted as a balance to the Summer Solstice Golowan Festival, focuses on themes of light, fire, and darkness. The Guise Dancers, performers in traditional Cornish folklore, were re-formed for the 2008 celebrations, involving elaborate costumes, masks, and performances of 'The Guise Dance Plays' and Mummers Plays. Traditional Cornish carol singing and music were also featured.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Meyn Mamvro revolve around Cornish ancient sites, megalithic structures, paganism, ley lines, and earth energies. There is a strong emphasis on local history, folklore, and archaeological discoveries within Cornwall and the surrounding Isles of Scilly. The magazine appears to support the exploration and preservation of these sites, while also acknowledging the complexities of land management and the differing perspectives on their use. The editorial stance seems to be one of informed curiosity and a desire to document and share findings related to these ancient mysteries.

MEYN MAMVRO | 68 | Winter 2009

This issue of Meyn Mamvro, published in Winter 2009, features a mix of folklore, archaeology, and ancient history, with a strong focus on Cornwall and the Scilly Isles. The magazine's website is meynmamvro.co.uk/archive.

The Penglaze: A Cornish Hobby Horse Tradition

The issue begins by detailing the history and re-emergence of the 'Penglaze', a shamanic figure and hobby-horse tradition. Richard Edmonds describes a similar 'guise-dancer' from about fifty years prior, represented by a man with a wooden horse's head and neck, capable of opening and shutting its mouth with a loud snapping noise. This performer was covered in a horse cloth or hide, resembling the animal. The modern shamanic figure reappeared at Penzance's Midsummer Golowan Festival in 1992, named Penglaze after a reference by William Sandys in 1833. Sandys described a game in west Cornwall called 'The Corn Market' featuring an old character named Penglaze, who had a blackened face and staff. In this game, a person girded with a horse's hide served as the horse, which would wince and caper. Penglaze would then offer to shoe the colt, demanding a 'full gallon of moonlight' as reward. Barbara Spooner, in 'The Padstow Hobby Horse, Folklore Vol.69 March 1958', argued that the Padstow Hobby Horse consisted of a horse's skull on a stick, covered by a hide-draped man, known in Cornish as 'Penglas' or 'Grey head'.

Penglaze continued to appear annually at Golowan and Montol festivals, accompanied by a teazer named Cassandra Latham. However, in April 2008, the person carrying Penglaze retired, taking the figure with him. This led to the formation of the Penglaz Co-operative to create a new 'mare' Oss. Meanwhile, the Golowan team created a replacement 'stallion' Penglaze. The 'new' Cassandra-led Penglaz was set to appear at Montol, but with two Penglaz figures, the future is uncertain, drawing a parallel to Padstow's rival Obby Osses. The nature of Penglaz is described as wild, anarchic, and unpredictable.

Remote & Ancient Places in West Penwith

By Raymond Cox, this section explores the archaeological landscape of West Penwith. From the summit of Hannibal's Carn, one can see the expansive Iron Age 'Celtic' fields, characterized by their unhewn granite block walls. The coast features fortified promontory enclosures and cliff castles like Gurnard's Head and Bosigran, along with courtyard house settlements at Bosigran and Porthmeor. The valley to Bosporthennis reveals more fields and a courtyard house settlement below Hannibal's Carn. Nearby is the Bosporthennis quoit and a beehive hut. An alignment of features, including a barrow on Truthwall Common, Chûn Castle hillfort, and the Pennance chambered tomb, runs NE/SW.

The moorland landscape is further described, featuring monuments like the Mên-an-Tol holed stone, the Nine Maidens stone circle (Boskednan), and the inscribed Men Scryfa standing stone. The area is rich in standing stones and cairns, with the Ding Dong area marked by an engine house from the tin mining era. The Four Parishes Stone is a meeting point of old parishes. The moor's appearance changes with the seasons, from the vibrant colours of late summer heather and gorse to the bleached, stark beauty of winter.

Carn Galva, an imposing granite outcrop, is highlighted as a significant landmark. Archaeological work has uncovered signs of a possible Neolithic 'camp' here, suggesting human presence over 4000 years ago. Carn Gulva is described as a distinctive hilltop site, with nearby megalithic sites focusing on it. The Mên Scryfa standing stone, dating from the Bronze Age but re-used in the late Iron Age/Celtic period, bears an inscription: 'RIALOBRANI CVNOVALI FILI', a Latinised form of Cornish meaning 'Royal Raven, son of the famous leader'. This memorial stone likely commemorates the son of an Iron Age tribal leader, possibly linked to the mythic Celtic God Bran. The story of Rialvran, who tried to recover his father's lands, is also mentioned.

Another site focusing on Carn Gulva is the Nine Maidens (Boskednan) stone circle, a ruined Bronze Age site. Originally comprising 19 stones, only 11 remain, with two recently re-erected. Portal stones frame the view to Carn Gulva. A processional way may have led from the circle to this 'holy hilltop'. A standing stone outlier to the circle, now a stump, marked the midsummer sunset. A dug-out barrow encroaches on the circle's southern side, containing a cist with an urn and pottery sherds. Other barrows are located nearby, one prominently situated on a ridge. A cleared barrow in 2005 revealed a stone with a blue-grey crystal seam in a ^-shaped notch, possibly an 'arrow marker' for spirits.

Honouring the Ancestors on the Scillies

By Cheryl Straffon, this section reviews Gary Robinson's book 'The Prehistoric Island Landscape of Scilly'. The book explores the meaning and significance of ancient monuments on the Scilly Isles as places to connect with and honour ancestors. It details 74 entrance graves across several islands and the orientations of 59 of them. The chart shows a range of chamber orientations, with a slight preference towards the north and north-east, the direction of the midsummer solstice sunrise.

Robinson observes that views from the chambers are primarily directed inland, while views looking into the chambers are directed towards the open sea. An example is Bants Carn on St.Mary's, where the outward-looking entrance faces NE (inland) towards the midsummer sunrise, but looking at the entrance provides a sea view.

On Normandy Downs, three monuments arranged linearly are oriented west, away from the sea, towards the equinoxical setting sun. On South Hill, Samson, four entrance graves orientate north, with a view of North Hill and the sea. North Hill itself has eight entrance graves, oriented northwards towards the sea (some facing NE for the midsummer solstice sunrise), with three facing east inland towards the equinoxical sunrise. Unlike Normandy Downs, none face west towards the equinoxical sunset.

Robinson suggests these orientations indicate a desire to exclude the sea from the interior of the monuments, possibly due to taboos related to its destructive force. However, the sea's presence is a significant backdrop, suggesting its importance for the living visiting ancestral remains. The chambers often have a boat-shaped appearance, suggesting the entrance is the 'bow' and the stern faces the sea. This may imply ancestors were meant to navigate across the sea to return to the archipelago to give counsel.

Robinson also notes a relationship between entrance graves and natural granite tors. The graves are consistently near tors, with Upper Innisidgen entrance grave on St.Mary's being a prime example. A nearby tor carn, visible SE from the grave, aligns with the midwinter solstice sunrise. This suggests a journey from the tomb to the tor, a literal and metaphorical experience of death and rebirth.

Entrance graves and cists incorporate natural features like earthfast boulders. Examples include the 'Borlase altar' on Tresco, a grounder in an entrance grave on Porth Hellick Down, and a grounder forming the back of the chamber at Knackboy Cairn. Some monuments incorporate entire land areas, like the entrance grave at Works Carn on Bryher, built on Samson Hill's tor.

Robinson suggests this incorporation of natural features is a 'cultural reworking' of the landscape, reverentially including the spirits of the 'living land' with the ancestors. Some chambered walls were plastered with clay, suggesting potential decoration with paintings or engravings. Finds from entrance graves include a perforated piece of pumice at Porth Hellick Down, possibly a pendant, and rare faience beads, including a star-shaped one, at Knackboy Cairn. Similar beads were found at Stannon Down and Carn Creis barrow.

Later Iron Age finds include two amber disk beads from a Porth Cressa cist at Lawrence Brow, St. Martin's. Porth Cressa cists are oval or sub-rectangular burial chambers. A dramatic burial at Hillside Farm, Bruher, involved complex rites, an Iron Age sword, a bronze mirror with solar imagery, a brooch, and other items, indicating a high-status burial.

Standing Stones on Scilly

The article notes that while burial monuments are the focus, standing stones are also present on Scilly, though fewer than on the mainland. Nine standing stones are identified, five still standing. One, recorded by Borlase in 1756, is now lying in gorse. Robinson believes these stones are linked to burial monuments, though this is unproven.

The statue-menhir on Chapel Down, St.Martin's, is highlighted. Initially thought to be an Iron Age idol, it's now placed in the Late Neolithic/Early Bronze Age. Robinson believes it represents an ancestral being, placed at a dramatic location to protect seafarers. This is considered a unique example in Britain of an ancestor carved from stone, akin to Easter Island statues, emphasizing the importance of ancestors in prehistoric Scilly.

The issue also advertises 'The Earth Mysteries Guide to Ancient Sites on the Isles of Scilly' by Cheryl Straffon, available for £3.50 from Meyn Mamvro.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are Cornish folklore, particularly the 'Penglaze' tradition, and the rich archaeological heritage of Cornwall and the Scilly Isles. There is a strong emphasis on prehistoric monuments, their landscape context, and their connection to ancestors. The editorial stance appears to be one of scholarly exploration and appreciation of local history, folklore, and archaeology, presented through detailed articles and reviews.

MEYN MAMVRO, Issue 68, Winter 2009, is a publication focused on earth mysteries, archaeology, and paganism, with a strong emphasis on Cornwall.

Book Reviews

The issue begins with reviews of two volumes of *Cornish Archaeology*: CA45 (2006) and CA46 (2007), both published by the Cornwall Archaeology Society in 2008. The reviewer notes that these volumes are part of an effort to catch up on publications, aiming for currency by 2009. The reviews highlight the significant amount of research and evaluation conducted by the HES, often at smaller, previously unrecorded sites. These findings collectively build an 'exciting picture of prehistoric ritual use' by a new generation of Cornish archaeologists.

CA45 is particularly noted for its focus on the Neolithic, Bronze Age, and Iron Age periods. It features an article by Andy Jones & Stephen Reed on an Early Neolithic pit group at Portscatho, suggesting these pits were used for ritualised deposition of artefacts at liminal landscape locations to mediate spirits, control the environment, or ensure procurement of resources. The article posits that these spaces may have been linked to mythical associations concerning the horizon, ancestral origins, and the dead.

Another article in CA45 discusses Cornish Beaker deposits, referencing the Lower Boscaswell mound & pit discovered in 2006. This site is suggested to be related to Irish 'fulacht fiadh' sites and is identified as the first 'burnt mound' site discovered in Cornwall, also associated with ritual activity.

A third article examines an Early Bronze Age pit at Trenoweth, proposing that it held a timber pole to mark the midwinter solstice sunrise over Carn Brea.

Finally, CA45 includes an article on the re-erection of the Eathorne menhir, with a radiocarbon date of 70-240 CE, which prompts discussion on whether it was a re-erected Bronze Age menhir or a new construction in the Romano-Celtic Iron Age period.

CA46 is described as a retrospective volume dedicated to the pioneering excavations led by Professor Charles Thomas at Gwithian and Godrevey in the 1950s. This volume provides an overview of the project and a reappraisal of its significance in light of current archaeological knowledge. The material recovered has been re-examined, resulting in a 'definitive volume' considered an 'indispensable addition to all archaeological libraries'.

Pathways to the Past: From the Tamar to Lands End: 1

This article by Cheryl Straffon recounts her 60th birthday walk in September 2007, a 100-mile journey from the River Tamar to Pendeen on the Lands End peninsula. The walk, spanning 2.5 weeks, traversed green lanes, footpaths, and farm tracks, deliberately including ancient and sacred sites, offering a contrast to modern busyness.

The first part of the journey begins at Calstock, where Straffon paid respects at her parents' graves and learned of a nearby Roman fort excavation. The walk continued through the Danescombe Valley, past Norris Green and Metherell, to Harrowbarrow, and then to Dupath Well. The holy well house, described as the largest in Cornwall, is a 16th-century granite chapel with turrets, enclosing a water source. A legend of a duel fought for a maiden's hand is associated with the well.

The narrative progresses through Callington, mentioning Kit Hill and its Neolithic/Bronze Age associations, and then to Pensilva. Day 3 involved climbing Caradon Hill, followed by a visit to The Hurlers stone circles, noted for their alignment and connection to Stowe's Hill and the Cheesewring.

The walk then led across Bodmin Moor, passing ancient monuments like the Craddock Moor stone circle and a standing stone near Tregarrick Tor. The day concluded at Siblyback Reservoir, with a special birthday indulgence at a lakeside café.

Penwith Pagan Moot

This section by Eve Benney details recent pagan rituals and moots. Lammas was held at Sancreed field, despite a downpour, focusing on naming blessings and giving thanks for personal harvests, with a 'Dunkirk spirit' among the 27 attendees.

The Autumn Equinox ritual involved a cleansing ceremony using water from Sancreed Well, followed by a meditation on light and dark elements. Participants processed to the Beacon, attaching wishes encapsulated in ribbons to a large kite, which was then flown to release the wishes. The ritual concluded with watching the sunset and turning the Wheel of the Year.

Samhain was a well-attended event at Sancreed House, beginning with honouring the dead and meditating on the Old Year. 'Soul midwives' guided participants through a journey to the Realm of the Dead, meeting the Crone and confronting deepest fears. The ritual involved greeting the King of the Old Year (a Wicker Man) and burning fears and the King on a fire. Participants then cleansed themselves in the Crone of Rebirth's Cauldron, before welcoming the New Year with sparklers.

Information is provided for attending moots, held on the second Tuesday of the month at the Stellar Maris Centre in Penzance, with contact details for Eve Benney.

The Pipers Tune

This article provides further information on enigmatic pits found at Jacqui Wood's experimental archaeology site at Saveock. The 2008 excavations revealed 'animal pits', one lined with a black cat's skin containing 22 eggs with chicks, cat claws, teeth, and whiskers. Another pit held dog remains and a baked pig jaw. A third contained a 7-inch iron disk with a swan skin and animal fur. The radiocarbon dates are particularly surprising: the cat pit dated to the 18th century, and the dog pit to the 1950s. The original bird pits had dated to 1640, indicating the site has been in continuous use for hundreds of years.

Jacqui Wood believes the pits may have been dug by a family of local hereditry witches. A family named Burnett, reputed to be witches, lived in the area until the 1980s, and one surviving member might hold clues to these mysteries.

Advertisements and Listings

The issue also includes advertisements for services such as Liz Allmark's Astrological and Numerological Services, and The Faery Cat Company's correspondence course on traditional craft. A list of 'Exchange Magazines' covers various titles related to Earth Mysteries, Arthurian topics, and Paganism, with subscription prices. MEYN MAMVRO itself is available via annual subscription. The 'Noticeboard' section lists upcoming events, including dowsing meetings, conferences, pagan moots, and seasonal celebrations like Beltane and Helston Flora Day.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores themes of ancient history, archaeology, folklore, paganism, and earth mysteries, with a particular focus on Cornwall. The editorial stance appears to be one of promoting research, sharing personal experiences of exploring historical and sacred landscapes, and documenting contemporary pagan practices. There is an emphasis on the continuity of ancient traditions and beliefs, as evidenced by the discussions on ritual sites, standing stones, and modern pagan rituals. The publication also serves as a platform for local events and services related to these interests.