Meyn Mamvro - No 090 - Summer 2015

Magazine Overview

Meyn Mamvro, Issue No. 90, Summer 2016, is a magazine 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', alongside illustrations of megalithic structures and rock art. The issue is priced at £3.00 and its website is meynmamvro.co.uk/archive.

Contents

The magazine includes a diverse range of articles and features:

• Editorial: (p. 1)
• Dowsing News: (p. 2) - Reports on indoor talks and outdoor fieldwork by various dowsing groups, including presentations on animal healing, sound dowsing, applying intuition, and the significance of ley and energy lines. It also mentions the awarding of the Billy Gawn Award to Ba Miller for her commitment to Earth Energies dowsing.
• Gunwalloe well: sunk beneath the sands: (p. 4) - An investigation into the history and current state of a renowned holy well on the Lizard, which has been largely buried by sand and whose spring has moved.
• CASPN & LAN: (p. 5) - News from the Cornish Ancient Sites Protection Network and Lizard Ancient Sites Network, detailing work on the Penwith Landscape Partnership Project, upcoming events like the 'Pathways to the Past' weekend, and the sad passing of Neville Noye, a supporter of CASPN.
• Ancient Tracks: 10 - Botrea lane: (p. 6) - Explores ancient pathways in West Penwith, focusing on Botrea lane, identifying it as a potential tinner's or drover's road. It discusses four kerbed platform barrows on Botrea hill, a standing stone, and a later Iron Age courtyard house.
• Home Sweet Ancient Home: 11 - Bosigran: (p. 7) - Describes the substantial Courtyard House settlement of Bosigran West, noting its relationship to Carn Galva, a sacred hill, and its proximity to Bosigran Castle, an Iron Age cliff castle. It also mentions the more modest Bosigran East settlement.
• Missing Menhirs - Cornwall's Lost Stones: 16: Carnewas menhir: (p. 8) - Details the identification and subsequent covering of a menhir near Bedruthan Steps, highlighting the challenges of preserving archaeological heritage.
• Stone Circle & Cromlech at St.Columb Major?: (p. 8) - Investigates historical accounts of a possible stone circle and cromlech near Whitewater, St.Columb Major, based on notes from George White and a recent site inspection.
• Boslow stone theory / Wells Corner: (p. 9)
• Logan stones: they moved the earth for me - Rory Te'Tigo: (p. 10)
• Other logan stones in West Penwith & Cornwall: (p. 12)
• Prehistoric Rock Art in Cornwall - Cheryl Straffon: (p. 14)
• Journal Reviews: (p. 23)
• 20 years ago: (p. 24)
• A 4-page supplement on Penwith map alignments by Palden Jenkins is also included.

Editorial Stance and Key Issues

The editorial section touches upon the recent restructuring of English Heritage and its implications for archaeological sites. A significant concern is raised regarding the proposed visual displays at Tintagel Castle, including an 8.5ft statue of Arthur and a 'sword in the stone' structure. The Cornwall Archaeological Unit assessed that many of these would have negative impacts, yet Cornwall Council granted permission. The magazine quotes KMTU (Kernow Matters to Us) and Craig Weatherhill expressing strong opposition, criticizing the move as 'dumbing down' and prioritizing tourist appeal over heritage. The article questions how such decisions were made and expresses concern about the future treatment of important archaeological sites.

The 'Dowsing News' section showcases the active community of dowsers in Cornwall, with regular talks and fieldwork. The Gunwalloe well article highlights the challenges of preserving historical sites against natural elements and the efforts of locals to revive traditions. The 'Missing Menhirs' piece underscores the vulnerability of ancient stones to modern development and lack of awareness.

Publications and Ordering

The magazine also promotes 'Meyn Mamvro Publications', offering titles such as 'Pagan Cornwall', 'Megalithic Mysteries of Cornwall', and 'Fetnynyow Kernow: In Search of Cornwall's Holy Wells'. It also lists 'Earth Mysteries Guides to Ancient Sites' volumes covering West Penwith, Bodmin Moor, Mid-Cornwall, and the Isles of Scilly, with details on pricing and ordering via mail or website.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

Recurring themes in this issue include the deep connection between ancient sites, landscape, and spirituality in Cornwall. There is a strong emphasis on dowsing as a tool for understanding earth energies and ley lines. The magazine consistently advocates for the preservation and respect of Cornwall's rich archaeological and historical heritage, often expressing concern over threats from development and what is perceived as a superficial approach to heritage management by larger organizations. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of protecting and understanding these ancient sites from a perspective that values their intrinsic historical and spiritual significance.

This issue of Meyn Mamvro, number 90, published in Summer 2016, focuses on ancient sites and folklore within Cornwall. The magazine features articles on the Boslow Stone Theory, Menacuddle Well, Logan Stones, and Prehistoric Rock Art in Cornwall.

Boslow Stone Theory

The article "Boslow Stone Theory" discusses an inscribed stone located outside St.Just in Penwith, on the boundary of St.Just and Sancreed parishes. The stone is in its original position at the head of a stone-lined grave and bears the name 'TAETVERA', which is a Latinised 7th-century Cornish name meaning "exalter of the journey". The stone is currently at risk from modern farm machinery. Craig Weatherhill proposes an interesting theory that the stone, with its contemporary incised cross and Alpha-Omega symbols, might be the grave of an early Celtic priest. He suggests 'Taithuere' could be a 'name taken in religion', similar to how saints like St Boniface and St Patrick adopted new names. Weatherhill speculates if this priest was known for frequent journeys, possibly being St Just himself, who also visited other churches and locations. The name of the stone in 1613 was recorded as 'Crowze East', meaning "St Just's cross", further supporting the theory that it could be the gravestone of St Just.

Wells Corner: Menacuddle Well

"Wells Corner" is a regular feature on Cornwall's holy wells. This section focuses on Menacuddle Well, located near St.Austell. The well is described as being picturesquely situated amongst trees and rhododendron bushes by a river and waterfall, accessible by a bridge. It features a 15th-century well house that was restored in the 1920s in memory of a member of the Sawle family. However, the well house has deteriorated and requires attention. A local group, the Friends of Menacuddle Well, formed under the auspices of STAR (St.Austell Renewables), applied for and received a grant of at least £8000 from the Tesco 'Bags of Help' fund. This funding is intended for the restoration of the well and the creation of a maintenance plan, with plans to extend their work to the surrounding area.

Logan Stones: they moved the earth for me

This extensive article by Rory Te'Tigo explores the phenomenon of "logan stones" in Cornwall. It begins by describing the granite and porphyric rock base of the Penwith peninsula, explaining how the different expansion rates of minerals in granite lead to the natural creation of "tors" or stacks of rock, including finely balanced "logan stones". These stones, often weighing several tons, were considered special and holy places by ancient peoples, who used them to contact a higher self or earth mother goddess. The article notes that logan stones attract vandalism, citing the case of the Treen Logan Stone in 1824, which was toppled by Lieutenant Hugh Colvill Goldsmith and later restored at significant cost, though it allegedly no longer rocks due to improper repositioning. The article then introduces three other logan stones: the "Giants or Witches Rock" in Zennor, which can be difficult to rock due to its dips and surrounding vegetation; the Logan Stone on Zennor Carn, which makes a rumbling sound and can induce a meditative state; and a third Logan Stone visible from the coastal path near Land's End, which the author describes as providing an experience of entering the "Other World". The author suggests that approaching these stones with respect can lead to a deeper understanding of the earth and life. The article also lists other logan stones recorded in West Penwith by Peter Stanier, including those at Boswarlas Lehau, Carm Galva, Rosewall Hill, Tregarthen Hill, Gwennap Head, and Bosigran Castle. Further logan stones are mentioned at Nancledra (Trink Hill), Men Amber near Crowan (which was tipped over in the 17th century), Helman Tor, the Cup and Saucer Rock, Bodmin Moor (Roughtor, Showery Tor, Louden Hill, Cheesewring, Elephant Rock), and Tregulland Burrow.

Prehistoric Rock Art in Cornwall

Cheryl Straffon's article "Prehistoric Rock Art in Cornwall" discusses the abstract grooves and shapes, known as petroglyphs, found on rocks across Cornwall. While previously thought to be scarce in Cornwall compared to other parts of Britain, it is now recognized as a significant area. These carvings are difficult to date precisely but are generally assumed to be from prehistoric times, possibly as far back as the Palaeolithic and Neolithic periods. They are often found on megaliths like standing stones and barrows. Common motifs include 'cup and ring' carvings, cups, rings, arcs, grooves, rosettes, petals, spirals, and circular dots. The article explores various theories about the meaning of these symbols, including their use in fire rituals, as signposts, for marking territory, or for spiritual significance. Researchers like Richard Bradley suggest they might depict 'phosphenes' related to altered states of consciousness, possibly induced by hallucinogenic drugs. Stan Beckensall reviewed theories suggesting they were boundary markers, maps of sacred areas, or representations of celestial movements (sun and moon cycles). David Lewis-Williams and David Pearce proposed that the sites were Neolithic shrines for connecting with deities, while Brian A. Smith and Alan Walker argued that sunlight and water were key to Neolithic minds, and the rock art celebrated life and the cyclical passage of time. The article then details specific examples of cupmarked stones in Cornwall:

• Tregiffian Barrow: Features 13 cupmarks and 12 ovals, possibly representing lunar cycles, and was originally oriented inwards to the tomb.
• Chûn Quoit & Mulfra Quoit: Each has a single cupmark on the capstone, possibly representing the sun.
• Castallack Stone: An anomaly with a horizontal line of 7 cupmarked stones and 2 at an angle, possibly marking alignments or a star map like the Pleiades.
• Three Brothers of Grugwith: An enigmatic site with an artificially shaped capstone covered with at least 17 cupmarks.
• Stithians Reservoir: 10 cup marked stones were revealed during summer droughts, some with random arrangements, others with organized lines, arcs, and circles.
• Trethellan Farm, Newquay: A cupmarked stone was found in a Bronze Age round house.
• Starapark Barrow: Three cup marked kerb stones were found, with two displayed locally and one in the Royal Cornwall Museum.
• Tregulland Burrow: Excavated in 1958, this barrow yielded up to 18 cup marked stones, including a slab with cup-marks and an 'eyebrow' motif, possibly intended as protection for the dead.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are Cornwall's ancient heritage, folklore, and the interpretation of prehistoric sites and symbols. The magazine adopts an archival and investigative stance, presenting theories and research from various experts and historians. There is a clear interest in megalithic structures, natural geological formations with cultural significance (logan stones), and the spiritual or ritualistic practices of ancient peoples. The editorial stance appears to be one of celebrating and preserving Cornwall's rich historical and mystical landscape, encouraging readers to engage with these sites respectfully.

Title: MEYN MAMVRO
Issue: 90
Volume: 90
Date: Summer 2016
Publisher: Meyn Mamvro
Country: United Kingdom
Language: English
ISSN: 0966-5897

This issue of Meyn Mamvro, number 90, published in Summer 2016, features a collection of articles focusing on ancient sites, rock art, and archaeological investigations primarily in Cornwall. The cover highlights "Thoughts and Observations About the Map of Penwith Ancient Sites and Alignments" by Palden Jenkins, Part 3, alongside other articles detailing cup-marked stones, petrosomatoglyphs, labyrinths, and fogous.

Hendraburnick Stone

The article details the Hendraburnick stone, a large propped stone made of epidiorite or greenstone, located near Starapark and Tregulland in Cornwall. Initially, only a few cup marks were visible due to lichen. A 2013 excavation led by archaeologist Andy Jones revealed an astonishing 60 cup marks, along with long grooved channels forming a sunburst pattern. The stone sat on a platform of slate edged with quartz stones. Recovered artifacts included a barbed and angled arrowhead and a faience bead. Charcoal analysis provided a date of 2750-2350 BCE, placing it in the late Neolithic period. The study of smashed quartz pieces found at the site suggested they were not used as tools but possibly for rituals, as quartz is triboluminescent and emits light when smashed, potentially used for night-time rituals, with ethnographic parallels from Native American studies. Hendraburnick is described as a major site for cup mark study and the most decorated in the south-west, combining sunburst patterns, quartz, and potential light manipulation, indicating ritual activity.

Petrosomatoglyphs: Boscawen-ûn Centre Stone

This section discusses carvings on the centre stone of the Boscawen-ûn stone circle, first recorded in 1986 by Ian Cooke as stone axes. Thomas Goskar later suggested they might represent a pair of feet with soles outward. A photogrammetry survey confirmed the carvings and indicated a row of 'toes' on the right foot. Similar relief carvings of feet are found elsewhere, notably at the Dolmen du Petit-Mont in Brittany. Above the feet carvings, circular features interpreted as breasts are noted, similar to those found in Brittany and interpreted as representations of the Mother Goddess. The article notes that while many footprint carvings might be natural, legends often attach to them.

Other Footprint Carvings

At Creeg Tol, a footprint-shaped carving is described, supposedly belonging to a giant. The article mentions that in Scotland and Ireland, carved footprints on rocks were places where rulers stood to establish their right to rule. 'King Arthur's Footprint' above King Arthur's Castle in Tintagel is suggested to have served a similar function for early Medieval rulers. Other marks near St. Columb are said to be from Arthur's horse.

Other Petroglpyhs or Petrographs: Rocky Valley Labyrinths

Located in Rocky Valley, between Tintagel and Boscastle, two left-hand unicursal labyrinths are carved on a rock face. While a plaque attributes them to the Bronze Age, recent research suggests they could be more recent, possibly a few hundred years old. The argument is that they were carved in a continuous line, unlike typical Neolithic and Bronze Age rock art, and that complete labyrinths are rare in prehistoric art. A similar right-hand labyrinth carving in Ireland, dated to the 6th century CE, suggests the Rocky Valley carvings might be from the same period, potentially made by people travelling between Ireland and Cornwall.

Boleigh Fogou

This Iron Age fogou has a possible indistinct carving on its left hand upright stone, interpreted variously as a figure carrying a stave, a fertility symbol, a Celtic hooded godlet, a Celtic god of healing, or a Cernunnos figure. However, a recent report suggests a Scottish University researcher's scan indicated the 'figure' was the result of natural fissures in the rock.

Miscellaneous Examples

This section briefly looks at other cupmarked stones and sites:

• Giants Quoit, Prospidnick: A rock considered a genuine cromlech, with cup marks said to be a giant's fingerprints.
• Cup Marked Stone, Goldherring: Recorded in 1866, this stone has five small circular depressions and a curved line above them. The OS visited in 1940, but the rock was not found.
• Treave Farm: A cup-marked stone with at least a dozen cup marks on its eastern face, believed by HES to be Bronze Age.

The article notes that rock art in Cornwall largely consists of cupmarked stones, with elaborate designs being rare, except possibly at Hendraburnick. Many are found in a prehistoric context, dating to the Bronze Age. Recent discoveries at Boscawen-ûn suggest further research could yield new finds.

Journal Reviews

• Cornish Archaeology 52 [2013]: This review discusses a major article on excavations at Boden prehistoric site and fogou by James Gossip. Gossip concludes that the physical attributes of fogous shaped their use and perception in ritual and ceremony, serving as 'secret' places for powerful or initiated individuals to commune with spirits.
• British Archaeology Jan/Feb 2016: This issue includes a 'Cornish' focus, with a report on the Boscawen-ûn centre stone carvings, an article on carvings on a medieval cross base in Gulval, and a major piece on the "Meeting the Smiths: Bronze Age settlement in Tremough." The Tremough site featured timber circles used for formal ceremonial activity linked to bronze production, along with a settlement of round houses.

20 Years Ago

This section revisits a site visit from twenty years prior by the Cornish Earth Mysteries Group to the Nine Maidens stone row on St.Breock Downs. Dowsers suggested a second parallel stone row existed. The group also visited the Mên Gurtha standing stone, a quasi-dolmen mentioned by Copeland Borlase, and the St.Evel Airfield standing stone. A significant find was the Treburrick menhir, a 2.2m high quartz stone. The article highlights the archaeological richness and vulnerability of the St.Breock Downs area. The visit concluded with an imaging session at Halligye fogou on the Lizard, involving altered states of consciousness and auditory phenomena.

John Michell Symposium 2016: The Earth Spirit

An announcement for a symposium honoring John Michell, a geometer and writer known for his work on leys and landscape. The event was sponsored by Temenos Academy and held at The Art Workers' Guild in London, featuring talks, presentations, and films.

Exchange Magazines and Publications

Listings for other relevant publications and resources, including "Alignments in West Penwith" by Palden Jenkins & Raymond Cox, and information on purchasing Meyn Mamvro folders and back issues.

Noticeboard

This section contains various announcements and listings:

• Beltane Celebrations: Details of Maypole dances and other seasonal events.
• Pathways to the Past: A weekend of walks and talks on local ancient sites.
• Pagan Moots: Listings for pagan gatherings in Penzance, Camborne, and other locations.
• Cornish School of Mysteries & Tree House Spiritual Centre: Information on these organizations.

Thoughts and Observations About the Map of Penwith Ancient Sites and Alignments (Part 3)

Palden Jenkins discusses his approach to ley-hunting in Penwith, contrasting his methods with those of other researchers like John Michell. Jenkins emphasizes the importance of hilltops and headlands, using Google Maps for a zoomable view of the terrain. He notes how late 1970s/1980s scepticism influenced ley-hunting criteria. Jenkins provides an example of discovering an alignment between St Michael's Mount and Cape Cornwall, which passes through the Botrea Barrows, suggesting these barrows are a hinge for Penwith's ley system. He also explores alignments between Penwith and the Scilly Isles, noting the historical connection of Sennen beach as the harbour for the Scillies. The alignment #78, from St Michael's Mount to Boscawen-ûn, extending through Maen Castle and Bonfire Carn, is presented as a key discovery, linking major sites and suggesting their use as signalling and sighting points.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the archaeological investigation of ancient sites in Cornwall, with a particular focus on rock art (cup marks, petrosomatoglyphs, labyrinths) and megalithic structures (standing stones, stone circles, barrows, fogous). There is a strong emphasis on interpreting the ritualistic and ceremonial functions of these sites, often drawing on folklore and comparative studies. The magazine also explores alternative approaches to understanding ancient landscapes, such as ley-hunting, and highlights the ongoing nature of archaeological discovery and research. The editorial stance appears to be one of promoting interest in local heritage, encouraging further research, and presenting findings from various archaeological and historical perspectives. The inclusion of reviews and a noticeboard suggests an aim to connect readers with broader communities and resources related to earth mysteries and archaeology.

MEYN MAMVRO | Issue 90 | Summer 2016

This issue delves into the analysis of ancient sites and their perceived connections within the landscape of Penwith, Cornwall. It focuses on the concepts of 'network nodes' and 'clustering' to understand the distribution and significance of megalithic structures.

Network Nodes

The article identifies Carn Brea near Camborne as a major ancient site (dating back to at least 3700 BCE) and a potential geomantic switching point connecting West Penwith with other regions. Several significant alignments ('backbone' lines) are described, such as #80 connecting Carn Brea to Trencrom Hill, Lanyon Quoit, and a Tregeseal complex cairn, and #108 linking Carn Brea to St Michael's Mount, Boscawen-ûn, and Treen Circle at Treryn Dinas (Logan Rock).

However, the author notes that not all hypothetical alignments are successful. Some lines, like one from Carn Brea to Boscawen-ûn, pass through empty areas or don't 'click' with significant sites. The author emphasizes that while some alignments are obvious, others require careful judgment and a sense of 'geographical sense' to be considered valid. The quality of connections is prioritized over quantity, aiming to accurately represent the 'megalithic mindset and worldview'.

Beyond prominent landmarks like hills, stone circles, and quoits, the article highlights that certain cairns (e.g., Lower Numphra, Tregiffian Vean, Bosiliack Barrow) and menhirs (e.g., Carfury, Pipers NE, Drift menhirs) also function as significant alignment nodes, possibly serving as 'exchanges' rather than just sources or destinations.

Clustering

An examination of the map reveals that ancient sites in Penwith are concentrated in two primary zones: the hills in the northern half (between Tregeseal complex and Zennor Hill/Trendrine cairns) and the low plateau in the south (between Chapel Carn Brea and the south-east coast). A connecting 'hinge' is noted around the Botrea Barrows, which, despite their current unassuming appearance, lie on a key alignment and are suggested to be important.

The analysis also points out noticeably empty areas, particularly in the southwestern and northeastern corners of Penwith. While some empty areas might be due to destruction or lack of interest from past inhabitants, the emptiness of the southwest corner is considered strange, especially given nearby significant features like Carn Les Boel (end of the Michael Line), Gwennap Head (southwesternmost point of Britain), and the natural rock-sculptures at Pordenack Point. The author speculates that these areas might have been intentionally left empty due to their perceived specialness or as abodes of spirits.

Another significant gap is observed along the north coast around St Ives, extending southwards to Hayle. Despite St Ives Head (Pen Dinas) lacking known prehistoric remains, it is a convergence point for significant alignments. Godrevy Head is noted as an ancient site, and the St Ives/Hayle area was historically important for maritime traffic and pilgrimage routes, suggesting a long-standing significance.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme is the investigation of ancient landscapes through the lens of geomancy and perceived alignments. The magazine emphasizes a rigorous approach to identifying these connections, prioritizing accuracy and plausibility to understand the ancient inhabitants' worldview. The editorial stance appears to be one of careful, evidence-based speculation, encouraging readers to consider the 'megalithic mindset' by studying the traces left behind.