Meyn Mamvro - No 079 - Autumn 2012

Magazine Overview

Title: MEYN MAMVRO
Issue: 79
Date: Autumn 2012
Price: £2.90

This issue of Meyn Mamvro, a magazine dedicated to ancient stones and sacred sites in Cornwall, delves into a variety of topics ranging from archaeological investigations and dowsing activities to folklore and seasonal celebrations. The cover prominently features a photograph of a quoit, with headlines highlighting its function, significance, and location, alongside other articles on Cornish boats and gold, witches, and dowsing news. The magazine also announces that all photos are now in full colour.

Contents

The issue includes an editorial, dowsing news, and articles covering a wide array of subjects:

• Editorial: (p. 1)
• Dowsing News: (p. 2)
• Spring into Summer 2012: (p. 4) - Details seasonal celebrations and events.
• Cornish boats and Cornish gold: (p. 5) - Discusses an exhibition at the National Maritime Museum.
• CASPN & LAN: (p. 6) - News from the Cornish Ancient Sites Protection Network and Lizard Ancient Sites Network.
• Uncovering the Lizard: 7 - Poldowrian: (p. 7) - Focuses on the Poldowrian hut circle and its archaeological significance.
• Into Alignment: Treen Common: (p. 8) - Explores the Treen Common circle and barrows.
• Missing Menhirs: 8 - Treworval stone: (p. 9)
• Paganism in Cornish Schools: (p.10)
• Wells Corner: (p.10)
• Penwith Pagan Moot: (p.11)
• In-Site: Quoits of the Penwith Moors: (p.12)
• Bones & Stones: the function & significance of Quoits - Roger Farnworth: (p.14)
• Not Quoit the real thing - CS: (p.17)
• Witches and Wise Women: extract from 'Pagan Cornwall': (p.20)
• Book Review: (p.23)
• 20 years ago: dragon dreaming: (p.24)

Articles are credited to MM & authors, with thanks to Andy Norfolk for the front cover artwork. The magazine is printed by Paul Williment of Brighid Design.

Meyn Mamvro Publications

The magazine also promotes its own publications, including:

• PAGAN CORNWALL land of the Goddess (New revised edition 2012, 120pp Colour photos, £11.95)
• Megalithic Mysteries of Cornwall (Published 2004, 88pp, 44 photos, £9.95)
• FENTYNYOW KERNOW (Revised ed. 2005, 76pp, 76 photos & artwork, £7.50)

It also lists the EARTH MYSTERIES GUIDES TO ANCIENT SITES series:

• Vol 1: West Penwith (*NEW completely revised all-colour edition*, 52pp, over 150 sites, over 100 photos, maps & plans, £5.95)
• Vol 2: Bodmin Moor & North Cornwall (o/p Photocopy available, £4.00)
• Vol 3: Mid-Cornwall & the Lizard (o/p Photocopy available, £4.00)
• Vol 4: Isles of Scilly (38pp, £2.95)

Prices include postage and packing, with orders to be placed via the MM address or website using PayPal.

Stones of Our Motherland

The editorial section, titled 'Stones of Our Motherland', highlights exciting times for Cornish archaeology and earth mysteries. The Sustainable Trust has secured funding for preliminary investigations and excavations at Carwynnen Quoit. In July, the Historic Environment Service conducted test digs, and West Cornwall Dowsers were invited to identify original stones and a ceremonial pathway. The results of this co-operation between dowsers and archaeologists will be in the next issue. The section also notes continuing excavation at Boden fogou on the Lizard, which is of special interest to MM readers, with updates promised for future issues. It emphasizes the vibrancy of archaeology and earth mysteries in Cornwall. Additionally, folklore researcher Alex Langstone is seeking local ghost stories and folk tales from Bodmin Moor and North East Cornwall to preserve them for future generations, noting that this region was largely ignored by 19th-century collectors. Contact details for Alex are provided via email and a Facebook group.

Dowsing News

The 'Dowsing News' section details several dowsing events from Spring and Summer 2012:

• West Cornwall Dowsers were active at Caer Bran hill fort in West Penwith, identifying an energy line ('The Carn Brea line') and finding two fallen stones, one a toppled standing stone and the other a possible capstone of a Quoit. They also dowsed three ring cairns.
• Trencrom Dowsers visited the Merry Maidens stone circle, dowsing its power centre. Danu Fox of Earthsingers led a chant to raise energy at the site.
• Trencrom Dowsers also undertook a 'Well-sprung Walk' with Rory Te 'Tigo around the wells and springs of St.Just.
• West Cornwall Dowsers met at Trewavas Head near Rinsey, tracking the Apollo line and following it along a fault line marked by 'The Dragon's Head' rock.
• International Dowsing Day on May 5th saw an event organized by Danu Fox and Earth Singers focusing on the Michael and Mary lines, with a large gathering at Carn Les Boel near Land's End. Measurements indicated the line's energy band width doubled.
• West Cornwall Dowsers met at Chûn Quoit & Castle on the West Penwith moors, dowsing the Quoit's aura and exploring the castle. They later identified deliberately placed quartz stones at Portheras Common barrow.
• West Cornwall Dowsers visited David & Mandy's farm at Kus-skewes, Nancegollen, dowsing prehistoric barrows and enclosures, and a significant alignment of 140 upright stones.

Spring into Summer 2012

This section chronicles various seasonal events:

• Good Friday (April 6th): The 7th annual Fenton Bebibell well clear-up and blessing of dollies took place, involving the CASPN group.
• April 24th: The May Day Eve Maypole Dance was held at Bosavern Community Farm, featuring music, the Obby Oss Penkevyll, and the Boekka Morris side, concluding with a Beltane fire and serpent dance.
• Dawn the next morning: The Boekka group and Penkevyll awakened Jack in the Green on Chapel Carn Brea.
• May Morning: Padstow's Obby Oss Day featured two Osses dancing through the streets.
• Sunday May 6th: The 24th Three Wells Walk to Chapel Euny, Sancreed and Madron wells, followed by a blessing for Summer at Madron Baptistry.
• Evening of May 6th: The 5th annual Penzance May Horns event.
• Bank Holiday Monday: The 7th annual Penryn May Celebrations, including Maypole dancing and a furry dance.
• May 8th: Helston's Flora Day.

Cornish Boats and Cornish Gold

This article discusses an exhibition at the National Maritime Museum in Falmouth titled '2012 BC: Cornwall and the Sea in the Bronze Age'. The exhibition features a reconstruction of a 16m long Bronze Age sewn-plank boat, built using experimental archaeology techniques. The exhibition aims to show how such boats facilitated Cornwall's role as a trading region, ferrying gold and copper. A significant item is a master copy of the Nebra Sky Disk, which displays astronomical symbols and whose metal components have been traced to Bronze Age Cornwall. The exhibition was scheduled to close on September 30th.

C.A.S.P.N & LAN NEWS ROUND-UP

This section provides updates from the Cornish Ancient Sites Protection Network (CASPN) and the Lizard Ancient Sites Network (LAN):

• Pathways to the Past (May 26th-27th): This 6th annual event in West Penwith included guided walks led by Druid Barry Reilly and archaeologist David Giddings, covering sites like Sancreed Beacon, Caer Bran hilltop, Lanyon Quoits, and Bosiliack barrow. An evening talk by archaeologist Paul Bonnington focused on Hunter-gatherer communities.
• Sunday events: Cheryl Straffon spoke on 'Stories in ancient stones', and CAS editor Adrian Rodda led a guided walk on 'The mysterious fogou and other sites'. Archaeologist Andy Jones presented on 'Recent excavations and finds', focusing on Carn Gulva and Bosiliack settlement.

Contact information for CASPN and FOCAS (Friends of Cornwall's Ancient Sites) is provided, including details for their Adopt-a-Site scheme and Sites Clear-Ups.

Uncovering the Lizard: 7 - Poldowrian

This article focuses on the Poldowrian hut circle on the Lizard peninsula. LAN has been organizing clean-ups at this site, which was first discovered in 1967. Archaeological findings indicate a Mesolithic era presence (c. 5550-5250 BCE) based on hazel nut fragments, a Neolithic site (c. 3850-3600 BCE), and a Beaker Mound (c. 1540 BCE). The most significant find is a well-preserved Bronze Age hut (c. 1380 BCE) with a thick wall and a serpentine stone marker at the entrance. Field walls suggest past cultivation. A museum on the site houses finds and is sometimes accessible by request.

Into Alignment: Treen Common

This piece examines the Treen Common circle and barrows. The circle is an irregular ellipse of 14 upright and numerous fallen stones. Recent dowsing suggests an original Bronze Age presence, with the current form dating to the Iron Age. A small attached circle may have been a temporary dwelling. An alignment runs NE-SW, with the NE point possibly marking the midsummer solstice sunrise and the SW point (Little Galva rock formation) marking the midwinter solstice sunset. Two barrows on rising ground above the circle, excavated in 1872, yielded ashes, flints, and iron fragments. Some upright stones from the Nine Maidens Boskednan stone circle are visible on the horizon, potentially marking the midwinter solstice sunset.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes the study and preservation of Cornwall's ancient sites, earth energies, and folklore. It encourages collaboration between different groups, such as archaeologists and dowsers, to deepen understanding of these sites. The editorial stance appears to be one of enthusiastic engagement with the landscape, its history, and its mysteries, fostering a sense of connection to the past and the natural world. There is a strong emphasis on local research and community involvement, as evidenced by the numerous reports on local dowsing groups and network activities.

Title: MEYN MAMVRO
Issue: 79
Date: Autumn 2012
Publisher: MEYN MAMVRO
Country: United Kingdom
Language: English

This issue of MEYN MAMVRO delves into Cornwall's rich archaeological past and contemporary social and religious landscape. It features articles on lost megalithic sites, the integration of paganism into the education system, and the ongoing documentation of sacred wells.

Missing Menhirs - Cornwall's Lost Stones: 8: Treworval Standing Stone

The lead article focuses on the Treworval standing stone, located near Treworval Farm in the parish of Constantine. The antiquarian Charles Henderson investigated the site in 1937, noting a menhir approximately 4.9ft (1.5m) high. By 1966, E. Dowson recorded no extant remains, and by 1971, the Ordnance Survey confirmed the menhir was no longer standing. The current investigation by 'MM' suggests the remains of the menhir have been identified as the two gateposts for a field at SW7579 2945. The left gatepost retains its tapering shape and height, while the right has been split vertically. The article laments the stone's current state but notes its whereabouts are now known. It also places this site in proximity to three other menhirs, suggesting the area was once significant for megalithic activity.

Paganism in Cornish Schools

This section reports on the inclusion of paganism in the RE syllabus in Cornish schools, a move described as a first for the UK. This decision by the SACRE advisory group of Cornwall Council follows years of advocacy by pagan representatives, including Andy Norfolk and Eve Salthouse. The syllabus aims to introduce pupils to modern paganism and its historical significance, including pre-Christian sites. The initiative has sparked controversy, with some fundamentalist Christian groups criticizing it as 'faddish' and 'politically correct'. However, Neil Burden, Cornwall Council's cabinet member for Children's Services, stated the intention was to provide children with access to a broad spectrum of religious beliefs. The article notes that paganism is estimated to be the third or fourth most numerous faith activity in Cornwall.

Wells Corner: Grancombe Holy Well

This regular feature updates information on Cornwall's holy wells. This installment highlights the rediscovery of Grancombe holy well at Grankim Farm near Sithney. Although not listed in Meyrick's guide, it was noted on the Sithney checklist. The well is situated in a wooded ravine and retains a stone surround fed by underground streams. It is suggested to be associated with St. Sithuinas or Sethney.

Penwith Pagan Moot

Written by Eve Salthouse, this piece recounts recent celebrations and meetings of the Penwith Pagan Moot. The Imbolc celebration included a Druid ritual led by Barry and Kate Reilly at Sancreed Village Hall, followed by a meditative walk to Sancreed Well. The Spring Equinox ritual took place at Tanglewood, focusing on nature and personal reflection. The Beltane ritual was cancelled due to severe weather, though a Maypole dance at St Just was still held. The Moot has relocated its monthly meetings to the Admiral Benbow Inn in Penzance to accommodate larger numbers and offer more diverse activities, including workshops and guest speakers. Details for the Moot and FOCAS clear-ups are available on their website and via phone.

The Quoits of the Penwith Moors

This extensive feature delves into the numerous quoits (dolmens or cromlechs) found on the West Penwith moors. It describes seven main sites and others that are possible or doubtful. Each quoit is presented with its location, dimensions, and historical context:

• GRUMBLA [4049 2955]: Remains found in a sloping field, consisting of large upright stones, possibly the original capstone and another upright, with other broken stones nearby.
• CHÛN [4023 3396]: A closed chamber of four slabs supporting a convex capstone, surrounded by a low circular mound. It features a cupmark and is aligned with the midwinter solstice sun setting over Carn Kenidjack.
• MULFRA [4518 3536]: Originally resembling Chûn, it stands in a circular barrow. The capstone has slipped and leans against uprights. It also has a possible cupmark.
• LANYON [3298 3369]: Collapsed in 1815 and re-erected in 1824, it now stands on three uprights. It dates from the early Neolithic period and was part of a burial mound.
• WEST LANYON [4231 3379]: A ruined quoit located south of Lanyon Quoit, with a fallen capstone propped against an upright. Large deposits of bones were found here.
• ZENNOR [4688 3801]: Situated high on the West Penwith moors, it has two facade stones forming an ante-chamber. The capstone is large and now leans backwards. Finds suggest ritual use.
• SPERRIS [4709 3826]: Re-discovered and excavated in the 1950s, it is smaller than Zennor Quoit, with fallen stones and a missing capstone. Excavation revealed a cremation pit.

The article discusses the potential use of quoits for excarnation, where bodies were left for scavenger birds to strip the bones before the remains were placed in the chamber. It contrasts the prevalence of quoits in Penwith with their absence on Bodmin Moor, suggesting that natural formations on Bodmin Moor served similar purposes.

Bones and Stones - The Function & Significance of Quoits

Roger Farnworth explores the function and significance of quoits, suggesting they are among the earliest structures that allow us to peer back in time. Cremated bone found below quoits dates to around 3500 BCE. The structure of quoits, with a platform, support stones, and overhang, is described as a method to prevent carnivore access to bodies left for excarnation. The process of excarnation, involving scavenger birds, is detailed, leading to bones that were then placed in the chamber. The article quotes Cheryl Straffon, who suggests these sites were not just burial chambers but places for tribes to consult with ancestral spirits.

Not Quoit the Real Thing? A Look at Some Possible & Doubtful Dolmens

This section examines sites that are possibly or doubtfully quoits. It mentions 'The Giant's Grave' at Morvah, Trewey Cromlech at Zennor, and the Giant's Rock at Towednack, all described as destroyed sites. It also notes field names like 'Hewas an Quoit' indicating former megaliths. The article then focuses on Bosporthennis Quoit [SW4356 3654], which has been re-assessed. It consists of three upright chamber stones and a fallen capstone. Excavations in 1872 and 2009 found pottery, calcined bones, knapped flint, and a leaf-shaped arrowhead. Its low-lying position leads to speculation that it might be an Entrance Grave rather than a Quoit. The article also discusses the typical locations of quoits, often marking territory or tribal boundaries, and notes examples that appear in pairs.

Sperris Hill Quoit

This section details a newly-discovered 'quoit' on Sperris Hill, initially mistaken for Sperris Quoit. Archaeologists Konstanze Rahn and Peter Rose surveyed the site, describing two stones: a taller upright aligned E-W and a longer, leaning upright aligned N-S. Evidence of stone splitting and quarrying is present in the area. The archaeologists concluded the stones were deliberately placed, but their exact purpose remains uncertain, with the jury still out on whether it is a true quoit.

Conclusion on West Penwith Quoits

The issue concludes by mentioning the remains of a possible Quoit recently dowsed near Caer Bran hillfort, consisting of a fallen capstone and other stones, which requires further confirmation.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the exploration and preservation of Cornwall's ancient megalithic heritage, particularly standing stones and quoits, and the investigation of their historical and ritualistic significance. There is also a focus on contemporary spiritual practices, as seen in the coverage of paganism in schools and the Penwith Pagan Moot. The magazine adopts an archival and investigative stance, aiming to document and understand these sites and phenomena, while also acknowledging the controversies and ongoing research surrounding them. The editorial stance appears to be one of curiosity, respect for history, and an openness to diverse cultural and religious expressions within Cornwall.

This issue of Meyn Mamvro, number 79, published in Autumn 2012, focuses on the rich tapestry of Cornwall's ancient history, folklore, and archaeological discoveries. The magazine explores megalithic sites, witchcraft practices, and archaeological research, providing a comprehensive look at the region's unique heritage.

Megalithic Sites: Quoits and Beyond

The issue begins by discussing recorded quoits in Cornwall, noting their variations and the challenges in defining a 'standard' quoit. It highlights sites like Carwynnen, Lesquite, Trethevey, and Pawton, and also delves into two less conventional sites: the Giant's Quoit at Prospidnick Hill, where the 'capstone' appears to be a natural outcrop, and the complex prehistoric site at Bearah Tor on Bodmin Moor, which features a long cairn and a chambered tomb. The author suggests that these 'not quite quoits' are more intriguing and demonstrate the diverse ways Neolithic and Early Bronze Age peoples created and utilized megalithic and natural structures.

Witches and Wise Women of Cornwall

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to Cornish witchcraft and the practices of 'wise women'. It references Cheryl Straffon's book "Pagan Cornwall: Land of the Goddess" and extracts information about various artefacts. These include witch-bottles, such as one found in Padstow containing decayed urine and used for curse reversal, and a 'Passion Bottle' from Trevone filled with symbolic items. Spirit bottles, mercury used for weather prediction by Janie Rowe, and quartz-like stones used by Kathy Collins are also mentioned. The text details the use of bone prickers, smoothing stones, and white tusks in rituals. Specific individuals like Joan Long, a travelling wise-woman who used a 'Fanny Stone' for divination, and Kate Turner, a sea-witch who used a 'talking tambourine', are highlighted.

Other artefacts discussed include 'milpreves' or 'adders beads' believed to offer protection from snakes, and perforated beads found near the Boscawen-ûn stone circle. The use of stones for healing and divination is explored, along with the significance of 'Fanny Stones' and white tusks. The Neptune's Altar, a candle flanked by green glass balls, is mentioned as a sea magic item. The divinatory 'talking tambourine' of Kate Turner, predating 1949, is described, noting its use of sea shells for predictions, a practice dating back to 335 CE.

Artefacts like the 'maze stone' or 'Troy Stone', used for achieving altered consciousness, and 'get-lost boxes' for transferring diseases are also covered. The issue touches upon the use of grave dust and coffin rings for blessings, and the historical practice of using dead creatures in charm bags, such as a dead frog belonging to Sarah Noakes. The belief that Cornish witches could transform into toads or hares is discussed, along with the concept of animal familiars. The text recounts a story involving Sir Rose Price and a hare sacrifice, linking hares to the Mother Goddess and moon-goddess.

Archaeological Reviews and Projects

The 'Book Review' section focuses on volumes 48-49 of 'Cornish Archaeology' from the Cornwall Archaeological Society. This catch-up volume includes reports on excavations at Tremough campus, the Bronze Age barrow on Constantine Island, a Bronze Age cist site on Tresco, Halligye fogou, a metalworking site at Little Quoit Farm, an archaeological revision of the Scillies, Mesolithic-Neolithic pollen records from Rough Tor, and a Time Team investigation on Bodmin Moor. The review notes that while some data may be technical, the articles serve as a valuable reference for past excavation work in Cornwall.

Dreamwork at Ancient Sites

A section titled "20 YEARS AGO" revisits a news item from MM19 about the Dragon Project Trust's 'programme of dreamwork at ancient sites'. This project, based on ancient practices of sleeping at sacred sites for divination and prophecy, involved volunteers at sites like Chûn Quoit, Madron Well, and Carn Euny fogou. The experiment aimed to find common links in dreams recorded from different individuals at the same site, potentially indicating a 'sentient earth-spirit'. The results, published years later, were inconclusive, showing only slight differences between site dreams and home dreams. However, some common elements were noted, such as journeys to other states of being and connections with other realms.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue consistently emphasizes the unique and often mysterious heritage of Cornwall. The recurring themes include the enduring presence of ancient megalithic structures, the rich tapestry of local folklore and witchcraft practices, and the ongoing efforts in archaeological research and interpretation. The editorial stance appears to be one of deep appreciation for Cornwall's historical and mystical landscape, encouraging readers to explore and understand these elements. The magazine acts as a repository for local knowledge, archaeological findings, and esoteric traditions, fostering a connection between the past and the present.