Meyn Mamvro - No 075 - Summer 2011

Magazine Overview

Title: Meyn Mamvro
Issue: 75
Date: Summer 2011
Price: £2.70

This issue of Meyn Mamvro, a magazine dedicated to ancient stones and sacred sites in Cornwall, focuses on the SE corner of Cornwall to highlight lesser-known areas, balancing the attention often given to West Penwith. The cover features an illustration of a stone circle with spiral patterns and the headline "MEGALITHIC SITES OF S.E CORNWALL ISSUE". It also announces that all photos are now in full colour.

Contents

The magazine includes a variety of articles and reports:

• Editorial: A brief introduction.
• Dowsing News: Reports on dowsing activities by Celtic Dowsers and West Cornwall Dowsers at various sites.
• CASPN & LAN: Updates from the Cornish Ancient Sites Protection Network and Lizard Ancient Sites Network.
• Penwith Pagan Moot: An account of their Yule and Imbolc celebrations.
• Remote & Ancient Places in W.Penwith: 8 - St.Levan - Raymond Cox: An in-depth exploration of the St.Levan area.
• Uncovering the Lizard: 3 - Roskruge Barton barrow: A report on a barrow excavation.
• SITES OF SE CORNWALL: Discovering the Pelyntor stone - Rodney Smith: An article on a specific site in SE Cornwall.
• In-Site: Megalithic sites of SE Cornwall: A general overview of megalithic sites.
• The mythic landscape of SE Cornwall: Exploring the mythological aspects of the region.
• The Looe labyrinth - Caroline Petherick: An article on a labyrinth in Looe.
• Old Customs of SE Cornwall: Discussing traditional practices.
• Book Reviews - books on SE Cornwall: Reviews of relevant publications.
• 20 years ago: Crop Circles of East Cornwall: A retrospective look at crop circle phenomena.

Editorial and Site Protection Network Updates

The editorial report in MM74 is followed up by members of the Save Penwith Moors Group (SPM) elaborating on their objections to the Higher Level Stewardship Scheme (HLSS). Steve Yandall states that the mythology and ancient relics of the West Penwith moors will suffer if grazing is not refined, targeted, monitored, and made accountable. He criticizes Natural England for lacking the resources to support and monitor these schemes, and notes that grazing cattle can destabilize archaeology. Craig Weatherhill adds that SPM is only asking for four key areas to remain cattle-free. The HLSS is being introduced to new areas, including Lamorna and Sancreed Beacon, where Cornwall Heritage Trust plans to introduce pony grazing.

A separate incident at Alsia Well involved the clearance of vegetation, trees, and ivy, causing upset to the landowner, Trevor Rogers. The incident raises questions about how site clearance affects people's experiences and the balance between intervention and neglect.

The magazine also provides contact details and information for the Cornish Ancient Sites Protection Network (CASPN) and the Lizard Ancient Sites Network (LAN), including details on their activities like site clear-ups and membership for Friends of Cornwall's Ancient Sites (FOCAS).

Dowsing Activities

Celtic Dowsers conducted dowsing at Merry Maidens stone circle near Lamorna, identifying two 'processional pathways' and confirming spiral energy patterns. They also dowsed at the Iron Age Celtic Courtyard House settlement of Carn Euny, finding a strong serpentine energy line. Their season concluded with a visit to St.Levan church and well, where a split stone was dowsed as an earth-fast boulder predating the Christian site.

West Cornwall Dowsers started their year with a visit to Gurnards Head, exploring Chapel Jane and the Iron Age cliff castle. They identified an 'Apollo line' and an 'Agnes line'. Later, they visited Carn Marth near Redruth, confirming a N-S line and dowsing the signature of a destroyed Bronze Age barrow. Their February meeting was at Crowan Beacon, confirming barrows and identifying the convergence of 'Bart line' and 'Mary line' energy lines, and also dowsing a destroyed stone circle.

Penwith Pagan Moot

Eve Benney reports on the Penwith Pagan Moot's Yule celebration, held at a converted barn at Boscawen-ûn, which focused on honouring the old year and seeking the return of light. They also held their Imbolc celebration at Sancreed House, celebrating the return of the Maiden and performing a meditative walk to Sancreed Well. The Moot meets monthly in Penzance and holds open rituals for seasonal festivals, also supporting FOCAS clear-ups.

Remote & Ancient Places in West Penwith: St.Levan

Raymond Cox explores the hamlet and environment of St.Levan, noting its peace, solitude, and abundance of old features and legends. The article details the churchway paths, the Rospletha cross (described as having a cross pattern on both sides and made of pink-grained granite), and another cross known as Ardensawah. It recounts legends associated with St.Levan, including a story about him catching a fish on the Sabbath and a tale about the 'Split Stone' in the churchyard, which is described as a prominent 'holy rock' associated with female fertility rites. The article also mentions the churchyard's fine crosses and the ruins of a chapel and hermitage at Porth Chapel, noting the romantic and dramatic setting.

Other Features

Further details are provided on features in the St.Levan churchyard, including a block of cut stone with a figure and a possible missing cross. The church itself, dating from the 14th or 15th century, may have been built on pagan ground. It was restored in the 18th century and features carved panels, jesters, and animal carvings. The article also mentions the grave of William Bottrell and shipwreck victims. The holy well and hermitage at Porth Chapel are described as romantic and dramatic, with the well sometimes used for baptisms and believed to cure ailments.

Publications

The magazine includes a section on Meyn Mamvro Publications, listing several books on Earth Mysteries and Ancient Sites, including "Pagan Cornwall: Land of the Goddess", "Megalithic Mysteries of Cornwall", and "Fentynyow Kernow: In Search of Cornwall's Holy Wells". It also lists guides to ancient sites in different areas of Cornwall, with prices and ordering information.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are ancient sites, paganism, dowsing, mythology, and Cornish history and folklore. The magazine appears to advocate for the preservation and understanding of ancient sites and traditions, as evidenced by the coverage of the HLSS controversy and the activities of site protection networks. The editorial stance seems to be one of promoting awareness and appreciation of Cornwall's rich historical and spiritual landscape, encouraging exploration of both well-known and lesser-known sites.

This issue of MEYN MAMVRO, titled "Summer 2011" and issue number 75, focuses on "Uncovering the Lizard" and "The Mythic Landscape of S.E Cornwall". It is a magazine dedicated to exploring ancient sites, legends, and dowsing findings, primarily in Cornwall, United Kingdom.

Uncovering the Lizard

The series "Uncovering the Lizard" begins by introducing the Lizard Peninsula in Cornwall as a region with subtle yet significant megalithic charms, contrasting it with the more spectacular sites of West Penwith. The Lizard Ancient Sites Network (LAN) has been active in clearing and revealing these places.

3: Roskruge Barton Barrow [SW7796 2312]

This article details the Roskruge Barton Barrow, located on the highest point of the Lizard peninsula. It served as a fire beacon in Elizabethan times and is crowned with a trig point. The barrow itself is 2.3m high and 14m in diameter. It has never been excavated and was overgrown until LAN cleared it. The site offers magnificent views. West Cornwall Dowsers identified energy lines converging on the site, including one leading to Gull Rock and another to St.Anthony light. A strong energy alignment was also noted from Merthen, suggesting a connection. The site is described as a well worth-visiting, hidden gem.

Discovering the Pelyntor Stone

By Rodney Smith

This article recounts the author's search for a standing stone in Cornwall. In June 2007, while following the Michael Line, he and his wife Doreen discovered a large standing stone in a field near St.Austell. This stone was not found on any maps or in books by known experts like Hamish Miller. After returning home, the author was unable to find any record of the stone using maps, the internet, or Google Earth. A second visit in July 2008 confirmed the stone's presence. The author knocked on the door of the adjacent Pelyntor Cottage and spoke to an elderly gentleman who claimed to have re-erected the stone himself three years prior, stating he was a scientist who did not believe in energy lines. However, the author speculates that the man may have subconsciously dowsed the stone's position. The article notes that the stone is now accessible via a public footpath.

Megalithic Sites in South-East Cornwall

This special feature begins by noting that South-east Cornwall is not as well-known for its megalithic sites as other areas, with many likely destroyed over time. However, several notable sites are presented.

Duloe Stone Circle [SX2358 5830]

Located south of Duloe village, this circle was restored in 1860. It is unique for several reasons: it is isolated, the smallest extant circle in Cornwall (10.2-11.7m diameter), has only eight stones (seven standing), and is placed at cardinal points. The stones are made of quartz, originally appearing white. Research in 1989 identified a quartz seam as the source. The field is grazed by livestock, and cows have been observed to enter the circle to give birth. Geiger readings showed a lower than background count, suggesting it might have been a 'healing' sanctuary.

The Polruan Stones

Polruan is a village with several standing stones in its vicinity. Two stones that stood until the 1970s were cleared for a housing estate. About a mile outside the village, two slate stones remain in a field, part of a stone row aligned to the midsummer solstice sunrise. Parallel energy lines were also found. Further stones have been noted in the area, some moved from elsewhere, including the "Devil Stone" used for resting coffins. These sites, along with finds of axes and burial urns, indicate Neolithic and Bronze Age occupation.

The Tristan Stone

This famous granite stone stands on a roadside verge near Fowey. It likely originated at the Four Turnings crossroads. William Borlase recorded its lettering in the 1750s, which reads "DRVSTANS HIC IACIT, CVNOWORI FILIVS" (Tristan lies here, the son of Cunomorus). Attributed to about 550 CE, it is an Early Christian memorial. It is located near the Saints Way, an early medieval trackway. The stone is 2.7m tall and rare for its granite material in SE Cornwall. The inscription connects it to the legend of Tristan and Iseult. John Leland recorded a third line, "CVM DOMINA OUSILLA" (with the lady Ousilla), which could link to Iseult, potentially verifying the legend.

The Looe Island Stones

During a 2008 Time Team excavation on Looe Island, a Bronze Age standing stone was discovered. It was too heavy to re-erect and was buried again. The top third of the stone protrudes above the surface. Tamar Dowsers found energy lines emanating from it, leading to a Celtic chapel with another small standing stone. A third stone is on the far side of the island, suggesting a line of stones in pre-Christian times. The island, also known as St George's Island or St Michael's Island, has a history of early religious settlements, including Christian chapels predating Constantine the Great.

The Mythic Landscape of S.E Cornwall

By Cheryl Straffon

This article explores the landscape of SE Cornwall, rich in stories and myths, particularly those associated with King Mark and the legend of Tristan and Iseult. It references an article by Joy Wilson on tracing the legend.

Lancien and Lantyan Barton

Beroul's poem mentions Lancien as King Mark's south coast palace. Lantyan Barton, near the River Fowey, is identified as a possible location, historically a manor house with lands including "Mark's gate".

Castle Dor

Castle Dor is an Iron Age earthwork overlooking the Fowey River. It was reoccupied in the 6thC CE, possibly by Marcus Cunomorus (King Mark). Post holes suggest a large timber hall, potentially King Mark's palace.

Saint Samson and St. Willow

The article details the mythical Celtic saint Samson, who founded a 'lan' (early Celtic church) on the River Fowey, with a church and holy well at Golant. Samson is said to have vanquished a serpent in a nearby cave. Early Christian pilgrims established hermitages in the area, including St. Willow on the east bank of the River Fowey at Pont Pill. St. Willow is said to have carried his severed head to a church site at Lanteglos.

Lansallos Church

Documentation suggests a monastic settlement at Lansallos. In 1478, the body of St Hyldren (or Ildierna), a bishop, was said to lie there. The Latin name suggests a feminine ending, and the feast day aligns with Celtic festivals.

St George's Island / St Michael's Island

This island off Polperro and Looe is associated with local legend, including Joseph of Arimathea leaving the infant Jesus there. Evidence suggests tin trade between Phoenicia and Cornwall in 445 CE. The island, named 'Lamene', was a possession of Glastonbury Abbey and shows evidence of early religious settlements, including Romano-British chapels.

St.Non's Holy Well

Located inland at Pelynt, St.Non's Well (also known as Pisky's Well) was believed to be a place where an elf dispensed bounties, but could show anger to those who desecrated it. It is now associated with a saint, and legend says those who don't leave an offering will be followed by piskies.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of ancient sites, local folklore, and dowsing. There is a strong emphasis on uncovering hidden or forgotten historical and mythical elements within the Cornish landscape. The editorial stance appears to favour the investigation of these sites through dowsing and historical research, often highlighting the mysterious or unexplained aspects, such as the Pelyntor Stone's rediscovery and the potential subconscious dowsing abilities of individuals. The articles celebrate the rich tapestry of myths, legends, and ancient practices found in Cornwall.

MEYN MAMVRO, Issue 75, Summer 2011, is a magazine focused on earth mysteries, folklore, archaeology, and ancient sites, primarily within Cornwall and the surrounding regions of the United Kingdom. The issue features articles on local labyrinths, historical customs, archaeological findings, and the phenomenon of crop circles, alongside book reviews and a noticeboard of upcoming events.

The Looe Labyrinth

This section introduces the Looe Labyrinth, a recently constructed labyrinth on land owned by Caroline Petherick at Windsworth, St. Martin-by-Looe. The opening ceremony in 2010 attracted national press attention. Petherick describes her inspiration for creating the labyrinth as a way to engage with the physical world outside of sedentary work. The construction involved significant physical effort, including manipulating a seven-foot slate and quartz menhir, digging trenches, and spreading gravel. The resulting landmark is visible from the nearby fishing village of Looe and from boats at sea. The design is identified as the Sevenfold Labyrinth, with ancient origins traced back to 30,000-year-old paleolithic cave paintings in Southern France and Spain, and found in various forms across the globe, including in ancient coins from Knossos. Petherick expresses her motivation for creating the labyrinth as a desire to share the beauty of her location and to offer a space for people to connect with the earth, remember ancestral wisdom, and appreciate the cycles of life and the planet.

Old Customs of SE Cornwall

This article explores various old customs and traditions from West and SE Cornwall, many with origins in pre-Christian beliefs. It highlights the May Day traditions, particularly in Lanreath, where maypoles were guarded day and night, with neighbouring villages attempting to steal them. Fierce battles sometimes ensued, and poles were decorated with garlands. In Lanreath, the tradition of guarding the maypole involved intrigue and cunning, with spies trying to distract the guards and agents tampering with vehicles. The article recounts how maypoles, once stolen, had to be returned by the following morning to avoid bad luck. It also mentions the practice of using the old maypole to make skittles for a game. A photograph from 1951 shows men from Lanreath carrying a maypole. Norman Giles recalls participating in this tradition in 1951, where the maypole was taken to Bury Down Beacon and later stolen by villagers from other areas. Although maypole-stealing has ceased, Lanreath revived its May traditions in 2000 with a permanent maypole.

Midsummer

Customs related to Midsummer Eve are discussed, collected by folklorists like William Bottrell and Robert Hunt. The article references a book by Thomas Quiller Couch detailing customs from the early 19th century, particularly those associated with Peter's Tide (celebrated around July 10th, equivalent to old Midsummer's Day). A key custom was the prefatory ceremony of a bonfire on the beach, where young fishermen collected money for expenses. A large pile of faggots and tar-barrels was lit, and men and boys danced around it, leaping through the flames. This fire was likely intended to celebrate the solstitial feast. The following day marked the start of the fair, with strolling performers and music. The third day involved a mock mayor-choosing ceremony. Sheila de Burlet is cited for her description of a custom in Polperro until the early 19th century, involving the making and burning of a straw figure on the beach.

Yule

Similar customs to those in West Cornwall are noted for Yule. On Christmas Eve, the mock or Yule log was lit from a piece saved from the previous year's fire. 'Goosey dancers' went from house to house, singing and receiving food. The article also mentions the 'guary mirkl', a mummers' enactment of George and the Dragon, which Couch remembered from his time.

Book Reviews

This section features reviews of several books related to archaeology and local history.

Prehistoric East Cornwall by Philip Henwood

This book is praised for focusing on the archaeology of East Cornwall, an area often overlooked compared to West Cornwall. It covers the parish of Linkinhorne, Bodmin Moor, and Caradon Hill, offering a workmanlike guide with colour illustrations and site diagrams. Major sites like the Hurlers stone circles and Rillaton Barrow are covered, along with lesser-known sites. The review notes the book's lack of grid references and maps but highlights its exploration of 'primitive' religion, ritual turning points, and festivals. It also speculates on the meaning of place names, such as Darley, possibly indicating a Druidic sacred grove.

Scarcewater, Pennance, Cornwall: archaeological excavation of a Bronze Age and Roman landscape by Andy M. Jones & Sean R. Taylor

Published in the British Archaeological Report series, this book details the excavation of a site near St. Austell. It uncovered roundhouses from the Bronze Age, an enclosure and cairn from the Iron Age, and a Romano-British building with burials. A significant aspect is the discussion of 'Ceremony and burial in the Middle Bronze Age', suggesting that abandoned houses were treated with ritual rites and covered over, becoming symbolic barrows. The report also examines the area's division into zones of dwelling, working, ceremony, and the 'ancestral' past.

A Brush with the Past by Jane Stanley

This book is described as a collection of coloured paintings that reconstruct ancient sites and their uses by prehistoric cultures in Cornwall. Each painting aims to bring the sites and the people who inhabited them alive. The book includes an introduction and commentary on each picture, reflecting Jane Stanley's effort to understand the mindset and belief systems of prehistoric people. It discusses shamanic practices, ritual cleansing, and everyday activities such as gift exchange, storytelling, and marriage alliances, all based on archaeological evidence.

Liz Allmark: Astrological and Numerological Services

This is an advertisement for astrological and numerological services offered by Liz Allmark, including birthchart printouts, interpretations, and numerology profiles, with contact details and prices.

20 Years Ago: Delving into the pages of MM from the past

This section revisits the phenomenon of crop circles, which began appearing in the British countryside, particularly Wiltshire, in the late 1980s. The article notes that 20 years later, the origin of these formations remains unknown, with theories ranging from human activity to anomalous winds or Earth energy manifestations. Cornwall was initially considered outside 'Crop Circle territory', but the first circle appeared in autumn 1990 on Kit Hill, near Callington. This circle was precisely formed, slightly oval, and reported to have a 'strong energy field'. It was followed by another in a neighbouring field the next day. In 1991, more circles appeared, including one in Newquay investigated by Professor Charles Thomas, who deemed it '60% likely to be genuine'. A cluster of circles appeared in East Cornwall, with one near St. Dominic attributed by the farmer to spirits emerging from the ground after he ploughed over ancient tumuli. Charles Thomas investigated further circles, finding magnetic anomalies and compass deflections. Local researcher George Bishop photographed many sites, and a Cornish Crop Circle Group was formed. The phenomenon in Cornwall was intense but brief, ending after a few more seasons. Explanations have varied, but the origin remains an unsolved enigma.

Exchange Magazines and Meyn Mamvro Subscription

This section lists various 'Exchange Magazines' related to Paganism, Earth Mysteries, and Ley Hunters, providing subscription details and website addresses. It also includes information on how to subscribe to Meyn Mamvro itself, with details on annual subscription rates, back numbers, and contents lists available on CDr or printed format. The magazine is printed by Paul Williment of Brighid Design.

Noticeboard

The Noticeboard section provides a listing of upcoming events and societies. It includes 'Beltane/Summer Events' such as Maypole dances and festivals in various locations around Cornwall. 'West Cornwall Dowsers' and 'Tamar Dowsers' list regular site visits and talks. 'Celtic Dowsers' and 'Pathways to the Past' also provide contact information for events. 'Ancient Sites Clear-Ups' lists events in West Penwith and The Lizard, focusing on clearing and visiting ancient sites. The 'Helston Society for the Antiquarian & Arcane' offers fortnightly talks. 'Pagan Moots' lists gatherings in Penzance, Redruth/Truro/Falmouth, and Bodmin.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Meyn Mamvro revolve around the deep connection between people and the land, particularly in Cornwall. This is explored through the creation of modern labyrinths inspired by ancient designs, the preservation and revival of traditional folklore and customs, and the investigation of unexplained phenomena like crop circles. The magazine also shows a strong interest in archaeology and the study of prehistoric cultures. The editorial stance appears to be one of curiosity, respect for the past, and an appreciation for the natural and mystical aspects of the landscape. There is a clear focus on local (Cornish) heritage while also acknowledging broader connections to global traditions and mysteries.