Meyn Mamvro - No 074 - Winter 2011

Magazine Overview

Title: Meyn Mamvro
Issue: 74
Date: Winter-Spring 2011
Publisher: Meyn Mamvro
Country: United Kingdom
Price: £2.70

This issue of Meyn Mamvro, subtitled 'ancient stones and sacred sites in cornwall', is a "SPECIAL REDISCOVERED STONE CIRCLES ISSUE" and features a cover image of standing stones with radiating light. It includes articles on remote and ancient places, dowsing activities, missing menhirs, and pagan sites, with all photos presented in full colour.

Contents

The magazine includes an editorial, news on dowsing, and updates from CASPN & LAN. Specific articles cover: "Missing Menhirs: 6 - Tresidder standing stone"; "Lost & Found - into alignment"; "Remote & Ancient Places in W.Penwith: 7 - Lower Alsia" by Raymond Cox; "Penwith Pagan Moot"; "Uncovering the Lizard: 2 - Kynance Gate settlement"; "In-Site: Boscawen-ûn stone circle"; "Rediscovered stone circles of Cornwall"; "Earth Spirits at Stannon Circle" by Sandra Hutchings; and "20 years ago: The Mên-an-Tol circle".

Editorial and News

The editorial section touches upon the ongoing controversy regarding cattle grazing on West Penwith moors, with interviews involving representatives from Save Penwith Moors (SPM), Natural England (NE), the National Trust, and local farmers. The issue of destabilized stone circles due to grazing is mentioned. Another controversy discussed is the nature of Penglaz, Penzance's 'obby oss', with letters to 'The Cornishman' newspaper debating whether it is a pagan or secular symbol. The editor argues for its pagan origins, referencing it as a "powerful Horse Goddess".

Dowsing News

This section details various dowsing activities undertaken by different groups during the summer of 2010. Celtic Dowsers visited St.Nectan's Glen, noting its sacredness and finding evidence of a former hermitage. They also visited Castle-an-Dinas and Ed Prynn's megalithic complex at St.Merryn, reporting benificent energies. West Penwith Dowsers explored Sperris and Zennor Quoits, suggesting Sperris was 'decommissioned' when Zennor Quoit was built, and experienced the 'hummadruz' sound at Zennor Quoit, raising questions about infrasound. Tamar Dowsers visited Warbstow Bury Hill Fort and Nanstallon Fort, mapping energy lines and sacred sites. Celtic Dowsers also visited the Luxulyan valley, finding dead energy in a mining area and artificial energies at a church and holy well.

CASPN & LAN News Round-Up

This section provides updates from the Cornish Ancient Sites Protection Network (CASPN) and the Lizard Ancient Sites Network (LAN). Both organizations conducted site clear-ups throughout the summer and autumn at various locations including Tregeseal, Bosullow Trehyllis, Mulfra, Bodrifty, and Balowall barrow. LAN cleared sites on the Lizard, such as Roskruge Barton barrow and St.Rumon's Church. The "Pathways to the Past 2011" event, a weekend of walks and talks on local sacred sites, is also announced. Contact information for CASPN, FOCAS, and LAN is provided.

Missing Menhirs - Cornwall's Lost Stones

This article focuses on the "Tresidder standing stone", previously unrecorded, located near Tresidder farm. Dowsing confirmed its Bronze Age existence, but it was broken up and incorporated into the farm in the late 19th century. The stone was significant as it marked the western end of a ley line that passed through several other ancient sites, including the Merry Maidens stone circle. The destruction of this stone is lamented.

Remote & Ancient Places in West Penwith

This article by Raymond Cox explores "Lower Alsia", a peaceful site in St. Buryan parish featuring an old water mill, a holy well, and a cross. The valley is described as beautiful, with historical accounts from William Bottrell and Mary Hocking. The Alsia Wayside Cross, though not easily visible, is noted for its setting. The Alsia Well is described as a place of spiritual attraction, historically frequented for healing and divination. Alignments through Alsia well are also detailed.

Lost and Found - Into Alignment

This section details newly discovered or recorded ancient stones and their alignments. The "Banns Farm stone", found by David Cheepen, is a large standing stone on an energy line and two ley lines. The "Mayon stone", also found by Cheepen, is a Bronze Age menhir on a ley line alignment. The "Botrea stone" is confirmed to be on John Michell's alignment, corroborating its genuineness.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the exploration and preservation of Cornwall's ancient sites, including stone circles, menhirs, and holy wells. There is a strong emphasis on dowsing as a method for investigating these sites and their energies. The magazine also engages with local folklore, paganism, and historical controversies, such as the interpretation of 'obby oss' traditions and the impact of modern land use on ancient sites. The editorial stance appears to be one of advocating for the recognition of the pagan and sacred significance of these sites and traditions, and promoting their protection and understanding.

This issue of MEYN MAMVRO, dated Winter-Spring 2011, issue number 74, focuses on pagan traditions and archaeological discoveries in Cornwall. The cover prominently features 'Penwith Pagan Moot', with an article by Eve Benney detailing two recent pagan gatherings.

Penwith Pagan Moot

The first article by Eve Benney describes a gathering of thirty people at the summit of Chapel Carn Brea to celebrate the Autumn Equinox. This event explored the theme of rebirth and transformation, using the ancient story of Demeter and Persephone. Instead of pomegranates, apples were used as a symbol of harvest and hope for rebirth. The celebration concluded with a picnic.

The second gathering discussed took place on a windy night to celebrate Samhain, also known as Summers End. This event focused on remembering and honouring the dead, with participants lighting a candle and bringing mementoes. The article touches upon ancient beliefs about the Gates of the Underworld being open on this night, allowing the dead and the Fey to return. The group experienced the primeval security of a fire-lit circle and scryed in the flames. The celebration concluded with lighting sparklers and enjoying drinks to mark the new year.

The Pagan Moot also meets monthly at the Stella Maris Healing Centre in Penzance, with different topics each month. Contact details for Sarah (01736-787522) and Eve (01736-793876) are provided.

Uncovering the Lizard: Kynance Gate Settlement

This section delves into the prehistoric settlement site of Kynance Gate on the Lizard Peninsula. Discovered in 1896 and further excavated between 1955 and 1964, the site consists of two groups of hut circles. The southern group, Kynance Gate south, comprises nine circular or oval huts with double-faced stone walls. These huts clustered around a rocky outcrop, interpreted as a ceremonial centre. Small hearths nearby suggest workshops where pottery, flints, glass beads, and other objects were made. The northern group has at least five free-standing huts. Approximately 700 metres to the northeast lies a prominent barrow dating from the early Bronze Age.

The settlement was originally occupied in the Bronze Age, abandoned around 1250 BCE, and then re-built in the Iron Age (500 BCE-100 CE). The prominent rocks are thought to have been a ceremonial focus, possibly perceived as dwelling places for ancestors or their spirits. Trevisker ware pottery was found from the Bronze Age period, and a reconstructed urn is housed in Helston Museum. Later, Iron Age (Romano-Celtic) people built their settlement, possibly recognizing the site's sacredness. This settlement was surrounded by a bank and ditch. It is believed to have been occupied only in the summer by people from more sheltered areas, with spare time spent on crafts.

LAN (Lizard Ancient Sites Network) has been clearing gorse from the site, uncovering new hut circles and curved walls. Efforts are ongoing to clear the northern site, which has seen less excavation.

Rediscovered Stone Circles of Cornwall

This special feature explores several lesser-known stone circles in Cornwall, identified through old maps, texts, modern observation, and dowsing techniques.

West Penwith

Higher Trevorrian Circle [SW4169 2625]: Located in the grounds of Higher Trevorrian Hotel, this site was identified as a stone circle by W.C. Borlase in 1876. While few stones remain, a field name 'Longstone' suggests a missing menhir. Borlase recorded the removal of earth and pottery from the area in 1840. Vivienne Russell suggested it might have been an Iron Age Round.

Redhouse/Trevello [SW4481 2622]: A stone circle was described here in 1847 but removed earlier. Elizabeth Sparrow suggests stones from it are built into a hedge.

Tregeseal West [SW3861 3237]: This was formerly a second circle, a twin to the extant Tregeseal (East) one. Recorded with numerous upright and fallen stones in 1796, by 1905 only 3 uprights and 1 fallen stone remained, incorporated into a wall. Further clearance in 1961 revealed more stones. A possible third circle was noted further west, forming an east-west line with the other two.

Kenidjack/Truthwall Common [SW3808 3265]: A 'site of Stone Circle' was noted on OS maps. It lies near 'Devil's Lane'. Other 'circles' on the Common are likely field boundaries or cairn circles.

Merry Maidens Area

Tregurnow [SW4375 2455]: A circle located east of Merry Maidens, recorded by Borlase in 1740. Stones were still present in the field until 2006 when the last two were broken up.

Boleigh [SW4314 2445]: Possibly a 'twin' circle to Merry Maidens, with 4 stones remaining, covered in gorse. A crop mark of a circle was seen in the late 1980s.

Boscawen-Ros: Remains of a stone circle listed by Borlase in the 18th century.

Other Possible Sites

Tredinnick [SW4426 3489]: A 'stone circle' was recorded here, described as 'destroyed c1825'. It is now thought to be the remains of a possible Bronze Age Enclosure.

Rosemergy [SW4170 3634]: Field name evidence suggests a circle. Halliwell found no sign in 1847, but Russell in 1971 noted crop marks of a 'stone circle with erect stone in centre'.

Kerrier Area

Crowan Beacon circle [SW6642 3480]: Re-discovered at the end of the 20th century, this circle has a probable diameter of 26 metres, with 4 standing or leaning stones and 7-8 prostrate ones. It features mounds of stones and earth in the centre and NW quadrant, possibly 'clearance' cairns. It was larger than the extant Nine Maidens circle.

Other sites: Carncress and Goonorman are mentioned as possible 'stone circles' based on place names or old illustrations, but no extant remains have been found.

Higher Carwynnen circle [SW6520 3723?]

Professor Charles Thomas investigated a site he spotted on a map in 1949. He described remains of a stone circle, about 55-60 feet in diameter, in the NW corner of Bowling Green Croft. However, later investigations by John Barnatt and the Historic Environment Record found no conclusive evidence for a stone circle at the given grid reference, suggesting the stones might be part of a dilapidated hedge. Professor Thomas maintains the grid reference is wrong. A Google Earth view from 2001 shows a distinct circular feature in the Bowling Green location, possibly indicating the lost circle.

The second Nine Maidens circle [SW6830 3650?]

While the extant Nine Maidens circle is well-known, a second stone circle to its NW was noted by Dr. William Borlase in 1760. It originally had about 10 stones and was larger than the extant circle. By 1906, only 3 stones were built into hedges, and now only 2 remain. Craig Weatherhill and Andy Norfolk reconstructed its possible position. However, West Cornwall Dowsers visited in 2008 and dowsed the location of other stones further south, suggesting either the original position of the second circle or a third, undetected circle.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of ancient history, folklore, and modern practices like dowsing, particularly in the context of Cornwall's rich archaeological landscape. There is a clear interest in pagan traditions and the interpretation of ancient sites, often drawing on historical accounts, archaeological findings, and contemporary fieldwork. The editorial stance appears to be one of diligent research, presenting evidence from various sources, and acknowledging the mysteries that remain, particularly concerning stone circles and their purpose. The use of dowsing as a research tool is presented as a valid method for uncovering information about these ancient sites.

MEYN MAMVRO, Issue 74, Winter-Spring 2011, is a publication focusing on archaeological and esoteric sites, particularly in Cornwall, UK. This issue delves into ancient stone circles, prehistoric sites, and personal accounts of unusual phenomena.

North Cornwall: St. Eval Churchyard

This section details the discovery of a potential Bronze Age stone circle in St. Eval churchyard near Wadebridge. Local researcher Howard Balmer identified four stones (A, B, C, and D) within the churchyard, with one stone (A) previously noted by Rev. Baring-Gould in 1913. The churchyard wall itself is noted as being circular, suggesting an early Medieval church on a prehistoric site. The area is described as an understated megalithic centre, including a stone circle, stone row, menhirs, and a possible cairn. The Airfield stone, a recorded Bronze Age menhir, is also mentioned nearby.

Bodmin Moor Stone Circles

This extensive section, drawing from various sources including John Barnatt's work and 'The Guide to Cornish Stone Circles', lists and describes several lesser-known stone circles on Bodmin Moor:

• King Arthurs Downs circles: Two circles, the western being better preserved with 8 stones and stumps, both approximately 23m in diameter.
• Louden Hill circle: Features one leaning stone, 4 stumps, and 11-12 fallen stones. Originally estimated to have 33-39 stones in a large ring of 45m diameter.
• Leskernick circles: Two circles (North and South) with little remaining, originally having about 20-22 stones each and a diameter of 30.4m. These are aligned on the equinoxical sunrise/sunset line with Stannon & Fernacre circles.
• Craddock Moor circle: Located NW of the Hurlers, it has 16 fallen stones overgrown with vegetation. Originally estimated to have 27 stones and a diameter of about 39m.
• Harpurs Downs circle?: Identified by local researcher Alex Langstone, this site has 8 visible stones (1 standing, 4 clear, 3 buried) forming an almost perfect circle of 22m diameter. It is suggested to be a late Neolithic/early Bronze Age circle with originally 18 stones and has visual alignment to Brown Willy and Rough Tor.
• Westmoorgate circle: Discovered in 2004 by Peter Herring and others, this circle lies in a slight depression on West Moor. Half the circle survives, with 7 stones and a mound/pit, suggesting a total of 28 stones in a 31m diameter circle. It is noted as a significant addition to Bodmin Moor's stone circle network and is part of a typical ritual/ceremonial complex.

The section also mentions nearby landmarks visible from Westmoorgate, including Leskernick Hill, Brown Willy, Roughtor, and others, highlighting the area's significance.

Earth Spirits at Stannon Circle

Sandra Hutchings recounts two personal experiences visiting the Stannon Circle. During her first visit in March 2004, she and three companions experienced 'Earth Spirits' appearing at the centre of the circle. These spirits varied in height, with some being tall and thin, and others miniature. During a second visit in November, larger spirits, described as 'over-sized bouncers' and up to 10-20ft high, appeared from outside the stones, rushing towards the group. Hutchings notes that while she could see these spirits, her companions could only sense them. She reflects on working psychically and experiencing phenomena in the 'earth realms'.

A FINAL FOLLY - The Walls of Dobbe circles

This short piece debunks 'The Walls of Dobbe' stone circles in the village of Dobwalls. Contrary to suggestions of them being prehistoric, the article states they are a modern folly, constructed in the mid-1980s by developers as a playground. The name was coined by Nigel Ayres, who humorously described misinterpreting landscape factors. The circles are complete with manhole covers in their centres.

20 YEARS AGO: Mên-an-Tol

This article revisits a 1990 survey by the Cornwall Archaeological Unit of the Mên-an-Tol. The findings revealed that the monument was not just a holed stone but part of a stone circle. The two upright stones and a nearby recumbent and upright stone formed an arc, which, when extended, indicated a complete circle. Further investigation found four hidden stones, reconstructing the circle to have had 19 stones plus the holed stone, with a diameter of 17-18m. This discovery raised questions about the holed stone's original purpose, with suggestions including a capstone for a cairn or a 'special stone' for rituals. Analysis indicated that in 2000-1800BCE, the moon's southern major standstill would have been framed by the holed stone.

Advertising and Subscriptions

The issue includes advertisements for other magazines ('Exchange Magazines' like Northern Earth, Touchstone, Society of Ley Hunters, Caer Droia, Rilko, and 'Paganism' publications like The Cauldron, Quest, The Silver Wheel, The Hedgewytch, Pagan Dawn, Pentacle, and Goddess Alive!), and a listing for Liz Allmark's Astrological and Numerological Services. Subscription details for MEYN MAMVRO are provided, along with information on purchasing back issues. The 'Noticeboard' section lists various events and groups, including West Cornwall Dowsers, Tamar Dowsers, Celtic Dowsers, Ancient Sites Clear-Ups, The Lizard LAN events, Fenton Bebibell Well, PF Devon & Cornwall Spring Conference, Helston Society for the Antiquarian & Arcane, Pagan Moots, and Beltane Celebrations.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on ancient sites, particularly stone circles and megalithic structures in Cornwall. There is a strong interest in folklore, esoteric interpretations of sites (e.g., ley lines, dowsing, paganism), and personal experiences of phenomena such as 'Earth Spirits'. The editorial stance appears to be one of exploration and documentation of these sites and associated beliefs, presenting both archaeological findings and subjective accounts. The inclusion of '20 Years Ago' and 'Noticeboard' sections suggests a commitment to historical context and community engagement within the ufology and ancient mysteries field.