Meyn Mamvro - No 078 - Summer 2012

Magazine Overview

Meyn Mamvro, Issue 78, Summer 2012, is a magazine dedicated to exploring ancient stones and sacred sites in Cornwall. The cover price for this issue is £2.90, and the annual subscription is £9.90. The magazine features articles on various Cornish sites, dowsing activities, and news from local heritage organizations.

Editorial and Publisher Information

The magazine is published by Meyn Mamvro, with Cheryl Straffon serving as the editor. The editorial team expresses sadness at the death of Tony Blackman, former President of the Cornwall Archaeological Society, who was known for his original ideas on megalithic sites. The magazine emphasizes its strong conservation of sites ideology and spiritual orientation, focusing on the spiritual beliefs of prehistoric peoples. The editor also announces the imminent re-issue of her book 'Pagan Cornwall: Land of the Goddess', which has seen significant interest over the past 20 years.

The magazine notes a price increase due to rising costs of materials and postage, expressing hope that readers will continue to find it good value for money. It aims to provide quality articles and news with ample color photographs, maintaining its place as a special interest magazine in the age of the internet.

Contents and Featured Articles

The issue includes a diverse range of articles:

• Editorial: Discusses the magazine's focus and recent events.
• Dowsing News: Reports on dowsing activities by West Cornwall Dowsers and Trencrom Dowsers, including explorations of Drytree barrows, Three Brothers of Grugwith, Lesingey Round, Tregonning Hill, and Boscawen-ûn stone circle. It also mentions a talk by Dr. Patrick MacManaway and a workshop by Aaron Bray.
• CASPN & LAN News Round-Up: Provides updates on the activities of the Cornish Ancient Sites Protection Network and the Lizard Ancient Sites Network, including site clear-ups at Sancreed well, Madron well, Lesingey Round, Treen entrance graves, Traboe Barrow, Kynance Gate, and Drytree Barrow.
• St.Nectan's Kieve Finds New Owner: Reports that St.Nectan's Kieve has been purchased by Guy Mills, an international millionaire, who intends to keep it open to the public for "inward reflection and self-realisation."
• Carwynnen Quoit Ready for Excavation: Details the upcoming excavation of the fallen dolmen at Carwynnen Quoit, purchased by the Sustainable Trust, with hopes for restoration.
• Into Alignment: Explores solar alignments at Gear and Caervallack, and a summer solstice sunrise alignment researched by Kenny Price that runs from Carn Les Boel to Rough Tor and beyond.
• Missing Menhirs - Cornwall's Lost Stones (7: Mulfra Hill menhir): Describes the discovery of a fallen standing stone on Mulfra Hill, revealed by a gorse fire, and its alignment with the Nine Maidens stone circle, coinciding with the Spring Equinox.
• Uncovering the Lizard (6: Traboe Barrow): Details the clearing of Traboe Barrow by LAN, revealing a trench cut by the army during World War II, and mentions local lore about a sword found by Colonel Serocold.
• Book Reviews: Includes reviews of various publications.
• 20 years ago: radioactive water: A retrospective piece.

Publications and Ordering Information

Meyn Mamvro Publications are advertised, including "Pagan Cornwall: Land of the Goddess" (new revised edition), "Megalithic Mysteries of Cornwall", and "Fentyrnyow Kernow in Search of Cornwall". Guides to "Earth Mysteries Guides to Ancient Sites" are also available in multiple volumes. Prices and ordering instructions via mail or PayPal are provided.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on "Earth Energies, Ancient Stones, Sacred Sites, Paganism, Ley Paths, Cornish Pre-History & Culture, Megalithic Mysteries, Legends & Folklore." The editorial stance emphasizes a spiritual interpretation of ancient sites and a connection to the beliefs of prehistoric peoples, while also actively engaging in the conservation of these sites. The magazine promotes dowsing as a method for exploring earth energies and alignments. There is a strong emphasis on Cornwall's unique landscape and history.

This issue of MEYN MAMVRO, number 78 from Summer 2012, focuses on "PREHISTORIC PARISHES - GULVAL'S LOST SITES," exploring lesser-known archaeological and historical locations in Cornwall's Gulval parish. The magazine delves into sites spanning from the Neolithic and Bronze Ages up to the medieval period, many of which are now lost or in unexpected places.

Gulval Parish: A Rich Historical Tapestry

Gulval parish, situated near Penzance, is presented not as a village lacking antiquities, but as one with a hidden depth of history. A search reveals numerous interesting sites from various periods. The article highlights the evidence of early occupation, beginning with a Neolithic or Early Bronze Age standing stone, now incorporated into a lane wall leading to Rosemorran Farm. This stone, 3m high, is accompanied by a second, smaller menhir 15.4m further north along the same wall, adding to the corpus of such double-stone sites.

Further evidence from the Bronze Age at Rosemorran includes a hut circle (SW4665 3314) within heathland, possibly part of a field system. In 1816, three Bronze Age urns filled with burnt bones were discovered under a large stone near SW477 321, potentially from a cist burial or a nearby barrow (approx. 4766 3260). This barrow was listed by Vivien Russell and possibly illustrated by William Borlase in his "Antiquities" (1769).

In 1987, three gold bracelets dating to the Middle Bronze Age (1000-600 BCE) were found at Rosemorran Farm (SW474 328), later sold for £25,000. Replicas are available at the Royal Cornwall Museum. Additionally, a bronze axe from Rosemorran, recorded by W.C.Borlase, is also on display at the museum.

Underground Chambers and Celtic Crosses

Moving forward in time, Rosemorran also hosted an underground chamber, possibly a fogou, located east of Polkinghorne farm (SW4749 3277). Described by J.T.Blight in 1862 as 5' wide, 12' long, and 8' deep, it was later noted by Charles Henderson. However, it was damaged by a traction engine and is now largely lost. Dr. Alice Gilby recalled it being known locally as 'Dead Men's Holes'.

Still remaining at Rosemorran is an early Celtic cross (SW4765 3256) in the farmyard, which Andrew Langdon suggests may have stood on an ancient sacred route connecting Gulval Churchtown to Zennor Churchtown.

Gulval Church and Holy Wells

The article then turns to Gulval Church itself, a structure predominantly from the 12th century, likely built on an earlier Celtic foundation. Its original name, Lanisley ('low church'), and the surrounding lanes suggest a circular structure. An inscribed cross shaft, found in 1885, stands in the churchyard (SW4847 3174) and dates from the Early Christian period. Another inscribed stone from this era is located near Barlowena Bottoms (SW4766 3179), bearing the lettering QVENATAVCI IC DINVI FILIVS, indicating contact with Irish people.

The issue also discusses the famed holy well of St.Gudwal, a 6th-century Welsh saint. The well and its associated oratory predated the church and were known as an oracular site until the early 19th century. The well's waters were believed to indicate the health of absent friends, and its whereabouts could be traced. A woman acted as custodian until the mid-18th century, described by Thomas Quiller-Couch as "the high priestess and dispenser of the virtues (of the well)." Sadly, all trace of the oratory and well are now gone.

Chysauster: A Prehistoric Village

The centre-page feature focuses on Chysauster Courtyard House Settlement (SW472 350), one of Cornwall's best-preserved prehistoric villages. Unique to West Penwith, these settlements appeared in the Iron Age (c. 500 BCE) and were occupied until the 4th-5th centuries CE. The village, dating from the 2nd-3rd centuries CE, consists of eight houses forming two rows, with a ninth house to the SW. Each house typically has an entrance leading to a courtyard and three rooms.

Excavations have revealed pottery, slate fragments, and water-worn quartz pebbles. A tiny copper alloy spoon discovered in 2003 provides a rare insight into daily life. Like other Courtyard House Settlements, Chysauster had a fogou, now inaccessible. An extensive contemporary field system was largely destroyed in 1984, but a rescue dig uncovered remains of Bronze Age hut circles. A kerbed cairn from the Middle Bronze Age (1800-1500 BCE) containing cremation urns and grave goods suggests the Iron Age inhabitants may have built their village near ancestral sites.

Bran - The Sleeping Guardian

Barry Reilly's article explores the Iron Age hill fort of Caer Bran, situated on Brane Hill. The fort, recently cleared of scrub, offers excellent views and contains three Bronze Age ring cairns. The Iron Age rampart, built with stone, was never completed. The name 'Bran' is linked to the Celtic god Bran or the word for 'raven'. The article connects this to the 14th-century tales of The Mabinogion and the figure of Bran the Blessed, King of the Island of the Mighty.

The Mên Scryfa inscribed stone, a Bronze Age menhir with a 5th or 6th-century CE inscription, dedicates Rialobran, meaning "The Royal Raven." This inscription is linked to a legend of a warlord who fought an enemy from the East.

The Raven in Celtic Lore

The article delves into the significance of the raven in Celtic culture. Ravens were seen as formidable birds with heightened awareness and intelligence. For Iron Age Celts, they held a sinister reputation due to their association with battlefields and their appearance, but also possessed supernatural qualities. They were believed to act as messengers to and from the Otherworld, guides on spirit journeys, and guides to the realms of the dead. The practice of burying a raven with outstretched wings suggests a belief in its spirit's role as a messenger.

Irish myths depict the raven with awe and respect, sometimes as an ally and sometimes as a vengeful enemy. The god Lugh was warned by ravens, and the goddess of war, The Morrigan, could shape-shift into a raven. Warriors wore raven emblems as talismans. The raven's ability to fly over enemy lines was also valued, with skilled individuals believed to shape-shift into ravens for reconnaissance.

Bran the Blessed and the Celtic God

Bran is described as an old Celtic god, though contemporary evidence is scarce. The tale of Branwen Daughter of Llyr recounts Bran, a giant Welsh king, leading an army to Ireland to rescue his sister. He famously served as a bridge across the River Shannon for his army. After a bloody battle, Bran was mortally wounded and instructed his companions to take his head back to Britain, where it was buried to protect the land. The legend of Arthur ordering Bran's head to be dug up and cast into the sea is also mentioned, linking to the 'Royal Ravens' at the Tower of London.

As an Iron Age Celtic god, Bran was likely seen as a deity of great status, possibly second only to the sun god Belinus. He was a war god and war leader, invoked for inspiration. The theme of the severed head signified the belief that the spirit lived on in it, and could be used for protection. Bran was also considered a bridge between this world and the Otherworld, a magician-king with powerful divine protection. In later Christian versions, he is called 'The Blessed' for his supposed role in bringing Christianity to Britain.

Place Names and Arthurian Connections

Numerous places in Cornwall and Wales are named after Bran, suggesting he was seen as a divine protector. It is speculated that St. Buriana, a local saint, might have been invented to displace Bran's popularity. The article notes similarities between the tales of Bran and Arthur, with Bran being the raven and Arthur possibly the Cornish chough. Arthur's disposal of Bran's head is seen as a symbolic replacement of a semi-divine protector with a more acceptable figure.

Rialobran, The Royal Raven

The Mên Scryfa stone near Mên-an-Tol bears an inscription dedicated to Rialobran, "The Royal Raven." This title refers to a warlord who fought an enemy from the East, losing his life but possibly achieving victory posthumously, as evidenced by the monument erected in his memory.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the deep history of Cornwall, focusing on archaeological sites, ancient beliefs, and mythology. It highlights the importance of preserving and understanding these often-overlooked aspects of the past. The editorial stance appears to be one of scholarly yet accessible exploration of local history and folklore, connecting ancient sites with their cultural and mythological contexts. The recurring theme is the layered nature of history in places like Gulval, where prehistoric, Celtic, and early Christian elements coexist and inform each other.

Title: MEYN MAMVRO
Issue: 78
Date: Summer 2012
Publisher: Meyn Mamvro
Country: UK
ISSN: 0966-5897

This issue of Meyn Mamvro, a magazine focusing on earth mysteries, paganism, and related topics, delves into several intriguing subjects, including a historical anomalous event in Cornwall, the significance of ley lines, the state of local holy wells, book reviews on archaeology and paganism, and a revisit to past debates on natural radiation.

The Pendeen Hurricane - A Violent Earth Energy Event

The lead article, "THE PENDEN HURRICANE - A VIOLENT EARTH ENERGY EVENT" by Rory Te'Tigo, examines a peculiar event that occurred in Pendeen, West Penwith, Cornwall, at 2:10 am on November 25, 1938. Commemorating the fiftieth anniversary of this event, the article references a booklet by Alan Rowell, the Vicar of Pendeen. The event was described by witnesses in various ways, including lightning, a ball of fire, a whirlwind, a tornado, a hurricane, a bomb blast, or a rocket strike. It left a straight-line trail of destruction from west to east, uprooting gorse bushes on the moorlands and causing damage in the village. Lighthouse keepers at Pendeen Lighthouse described seeing "A ball of fire, with three tails, approaching over the sea from the direction of the Isles of Scilly." Men on night shift at Geevor Tin Mine reported seeing "the lightning" strike through the village like a ball of fire jumping from house to house.

The weather at the time was described as fine, foggy rain with a strong south-westerly wind. Following the event, the wind increased to gale force, changing direction to north, and a thunderstorm lasted for about half an hour. However, the primary damage occurred in the initial seconds. People in the path of destruction reported the thunderstorm noise as quiet compared to the main event, while those nearby slept through it or heard a noise they attributed to a motorcycle. The devastation included the destruction of a shed at Geevor Tin Mine, two chicken sheds, an uprooted tree, damaged roofs and chimneys, and a bent cast iron garden gate. In a personal account, a small dog alerted Mr. Oats to the event on his 30th birthday, possibly saving him from serious injury as glass flew through his bedroom window. Debris was found eight miles away, and damage extended to Anjugwinack Farm near Ludgvan. The force was so great that roof slates were wedged in doors and a telegraph pole was affected. The vicar, in his booklet, unsuccessfully attempted to explain the event, ultimately inventing a new category, "an Oatian Tornado," in honor of Mr. Oats.

Further analysis traces the path of the 'hurricane' on a map, revealing it cut through several significant sites, including Chûn Downs, Lanyon Farm, and Carfury standing stone, which has a high number of leys passing through it. The path also went near Crankan, a site of previous anomalous events and UFO sightings, and ended at Anjugwinack Farm. The damage was not always on a straight line; the Pendeen Church tower and vicarage were hit by debris approximately 100 meters off the main track, and Anjungwinack Farm was 900 meters wide of the straight line. The article then explores the connection to ley lines in West Penwith, identifying four almost-parallel ley lines running west to east. The event's path aligns with the third southerly ley line. The author proposes classifying the event as a "Violent Earth Energy Event," a sudden release of energy akin to an earthquake, but possibly electro-magnetic rather than tectonic. The theory suggests that bending pressure on quartz crystals within the granite, due to the rising of the British Isles plate in the north and sinking in the south, could have triggered a massive release of piezoelectric energy.

Wells Corner

This new regular feature updates on Cornwall's holy wells. The first entry, "Nanceglos Well," reports on a letter from local resident Kenny Price to 'The Cornishman' newspaper. He detailed how the holy well at Nanceglos, near Penzance, was being desecrated by residents washing cars and by local school teachers who used the area for smoking, throwing cigarette butts into the well. Kenny Price regularly clears the wellspring. There was no response from the teachers or school, but CASPN supported Kenny's letter, emphasizing the historical importance of wells as water sources and for healing, and called for greater respect. The section also highlights a new Facebook group, "Holywells of Cornwall," set up by Baba Boom, which shares photos, conversations, and videos of well visits.

Book Reviews

Cornish Archaeology Golden Jubilee Volume (no.50, 2011)

This review covers the Cornwall Archaeological Society's (CAS) 50th-anniversary volume. Edited by Peter Rose, it is described as a comprehensive collection of articles and reports offering a look back at the past and an overview of contemporary archaeology in Cornwall. The volume includes a photo of Boscawen-ûn stone circle, an article by Professor Charles Thomas on the society's origins, and sections on "Archaeology in Cornwall: Recording, Conserving and Reconstructing the Past," covering the HER, Aerial Survey Project, National Mapping Programme, Geophysical Survey, Portable Antiquities Scheme, conservation, museums, galleries, CAS excavations, and the Time Team in Cornwall. Field Archaeology contributions include historic landscape studies, experiential archaeology, and earth mysteries. The final section, "25 years of discovery and research," is noted as particularly useful for understanding prehistoric and historic sites, with special attention given to the Neolithic and Bronze Age periods. Andy Jones and Henrietta Quinnell are credited for their work in this section.

Recent Archaeological Work in South-Western Britain

Edited by Susan Pearce, this book is a festschrift for Henriette Quinnell's 65th birthday, acknowledging her influence on the archaeology of Cornwall and Devon. It features papers from friends and colleagues on various aspects of south-western archaeology. Contributors include Paul Bonnington on "Earlier Bronze Age Cemetery Mounds and the Multiple Cremation Burial Rite in Western Britain," Andy M. Jones on "The local character of the Early Bronze Age in the south-west peninsula," Jacqueline Nowakowski on "Researching Bronze Age buildings in Cornwall," and the late Tony Blackman on "Pseudo-Quoits to Propped Stones." Blackman's personal account of his discoveries of Propped Stones is highlighted as a fitting memorial. The book is recommended for anyone interested in current archaeological research in Cornwall.

Mrs Darley's series by Carole Carlton

This review covers four books by Carole Carlton published by Mirage Publishing: "Mrs Darley's Pagan Whispers" (2008, £7.99), "Mrs Darley's Moon Mysteries" (2009, £7.99), "Mrs Darley's Pagan Elements" (2010, £8.99), and "Mrs Darley's Pagan Healing Wisdom" (2011, £8.99). The author, Carole Carlton, lives on Bodmin Moor and learned from "Mrs Darley," a traditional Cornish wise woman. The books are described as an eclectic mix of history, myth, folklore, poetry, and tales, reflecting a personal approach to the sacred cycle of life, death, and rebirth. "Mrs Darley's Pagan Whispers" introduces the enigmatic Mrs Darley and Carlton's magical training. It follows the Wheel of the Year, with chapters for each of the eight festivals, interweaving history, myth, poetry, and practical suggestions. "Mrs Darley's Moon Mysteries" focuses on the moon's phases and includes moon meditations and celebrations. "Mrs Darley's Pagan Elements" explores the five elements (Air, Fire, Water, Divine Spirit), delving into their science, myth, stories, legends, and astrology. The latest book, "Mrs Darley's Pagan Healing Wisdom," guides the reader on a journey of healing through the five senses, exploring natural healing and the interconnectivity of mind, body, and spirit, with a deeper, darker journey than previous books.

20 Years Ago

This section revisits an article from issue no.18 (Summer 1992) concerning water cures at Cornish holy wells, specifically mentioning Madron Well. The original article reported that radiation levels at Madron Well were twice the background level, and suggested that "low doses of radiation can be beneficial to health." This statement provoked a strong response from Judith Cook, who called it "dangerously irresponsible." The magazine then posed the question about the truth of the matter, quoting Paul Devereux's suggestion in "Places of Power" that homeopathic doses of radiation might have curative effects, citing examples of old gold and uranium mines used for timed exposure to radon. The article also noted that spas like Bath have high radioactive content. The original piece concluded by questioning whether all radiation is dangerous or if a little is beneficial.

Twenty years later, the debate is still unresolved, and the phenomenon of high background radiation causing no ill effects is known as "the radiation paradox." Cornwall is cited as an area with high background radiation, along with places in Iran, Brazil, India, Australia, and China. Ramsar in Iran, for example, has a peak yearly dose of 260 mGy, thousands of times higher than the worldwide average, yet residents experience no increased ill effects. The radiation in Ramsar primarily comes from dissolved radium-226 in hot springs, which are used as spas. The section concludes by suggesting that small amounts of radioactive water may indeed be beneficial.

Exchange Magazines and Paganism Listings

Page 7 provides listings for other magazines and resources related to earth mysteries and paganism. These include "Northern Earth," "Touchstone," "Society of Ley Hunters," "Network of Ley Hunters," "Rilko (patterns)," "The Cauldron," "Quest," "The Silver Wheel," "The Hedgewytch," "Pagan Dawn," and "Goddess Alive!" Contact details, subscription prices, and website information are provided for each.

Alignments in the Land's End Peninsula & Meyn Mamvro Folders

Information is provided about a new revised edition of "Alignments in the Land's End Peninsula" by Raymond Cox, listing nearly 100 alignments/leys, available via email or from Meyn Mamvro. Additionally, Meyn Mamvro folders for storing the magazine are advertised for £6.75 each.

Subscription and Back Numbers

Details for subscribing to Meyn Mamvro (3 issues for £9.90) are given, along with information on ordering back numbers or photocopies for £3.30 each. A contents list and index are available on CDr or in printed format.

Noticeboard

The Noticeboard section lists various upcoming events and regular meetings. These include:

• Beltane/Summer Events: Annual Maypole Dance at Bosavern Farm, Jack in the Green with Penkvyll Oss, Obby Oss Day at Padstow, Three Wells Walk, Helston Flora Day, Midsummer Bonfires on Chapel Carn Brea, and Golowan in Penzance.
• West Cornwall Dowsers: Regular site visits.
• Trencrom Dowsers: Talks and site visits, including specific dates for Michael & Mary lines at Alsia well and Boscawen-ûn circle.
• Tamar Dowsers: Talks and site visits.
• Ancient Sites Clear-Ups (West Penwith): Events such as Bosiliack settlement, Boscawen-ûn circle, Nine Maidens barrows, and Tregeseal stone circle clean-ups.
• The Lizard [LAN]: Events including Poldowrian hut circle, Roskruge Barton barrow, and St.Rumon's church visits.
• Pathways to the Past: Events on May 26th-27th.
• Pagan Moots: Regular meetings in Penzance, Redruth/Truro/Falmouth, and Tolven Moot near Penryn, as well as a planned new moot in Callington.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Meyn Mamvro consistently explores themes of anomalous events, earth energies, local folklore, and ancient sites, particularly within Cornwall. The magazine appears to adopt an open-minded yet critical approach, presenting theories and historical accounts while also acknowledging ongoing debates and the need for further investigation, as seen in the Pendeen Hurricane analysis and the radiation paradox discussion. There is a strong emphasis on preserving local heritage, as evidenced by the concern for holy wells and the promotion of archaeological research. The editorial stance encourages readers to engage with these topics, offering resources for further exploration through other publications, websites, and community groups.