Meyn Mamvro - No 092 - Winter 2017

Magazine Overview

Meyn Mamvro, Issue 92, Winter-Spring 2017, is a magazine dedicated to exploring ancient stones and sacred sites in Cornwall. The issue is priced at £3.00 and features a cover illustration of a map of sites in the St. Buryan area, surrounded by standing stones and other symbolic imagery.

Contents

The magazine includes a diverse range of articles and news items, including:

• Editorial
• Dowsing News: Reports on activities by Tamar Dowsers, Trencrom Dowsers, and Devon Dowsers, detailing their explorations and findings at various sites.
• Reading the Hurlers/Tintagel excavation: Updates on archaeological work at The Hurlers and Tintagel Castle.
• CASPN news: Information from the Cornish Ancient Sites Protection Network.
• Ancient Tracks: 12 - Kerris lane: An exploration of ancient pathways in West Penwith.
• Missing menhirs: 16 - Goonmenheer stone: Investigating lost standing stones.
• Prehistoric Parishes - St.Buryan: An examination of the history and archaeology of the St.Buryan parish.
• Tintagel and the legend of Tristan & Yseult - Mark Bowden: An article on the folklore associated with Tintagel.
• Cornish Folklore: Tintagel - Alex Langstone: Further exploration of local folklore.
• Book Reviews
• 20 years ago
• 30 years ago
• The Pipers Tune

The magazine is printed by Paul Williment of Brighid Design, with contact details provided for Meyn Mamvro's address and email.

Articles and Features

Threats to Ancient Sites and the Madron Baptistry Incident

A significant portion of the issue addresses the threats facing ancient sites, highlighted by an incident at Madron Baptistry where a silver cross was glued to a bench stone. This act provoked strong reactions, with 'The Cornishman' newspaper comparing it to vandalism in the Middle East. Reverend Canon Vanda Perrett expressed dismay, emphasizing the site's holiness and the need for mutual respect. CASPN Chair and MM editor Cheryl Straffon commented that nothing should be added to or taken away from ancient sites, noting the illegality of defacing scheduled sites. The incident also raised wider issues about leaving 'articles of faith' at sacred sites, with Professor Michelle Brown urging sensitivity and a return to a 'tread lightly' approach.

Dowsing News

The 'Dowsing News' section details several excursions by dowsing groups. In Summer 2016, Tamar Dowsers met with geologist Calum Beeson, who shared historical dowsing tools and discussed his work at The Hurlers. Later, Trencrom Dowsers visited Kynance Gate on the Lizard peninsula, where John Moss dowsed a significant energy pattern, and Nathascha Heijen experienced shamanic dowsing. In July, Tamar Dowsers joined Devon Dowsers to visit Berry Castle, where they identified hut circles. Trencrom Dowsers also undertook a trip to Carn Kenidjack and Tregeseal Circle, exploring various ancient features and energy lines.

Archaeological Excavations

The Hurlers: An excavation in September 2016 investigated the possibility of a fourth circle at The Hurlers but found no evidence of it. However, a stone-lined socket was discovered, suggesting a large standing stone, and a Neolithic leaf-shaped flint arrowhead was also found. The project also examined the origin of excavated stones.

Tintagel: Archaeological excavations at Tintagel Castle in 2016 revealed evidence of a high-status elite settlement from the 5th-7th centuries CE, predating the castle. The site yielded significant quantities of imported pottery and glassware, indicating extensive trade connections.

Cornish Ancient Sites Protection Network (CASPN) & LAN News Round-Up

CASPN continues its work with the Penwith Landscape Partnership on the Archaeology (Ancient Penwith) project, focusing on creating circular trails linking ancient sites. The network is preparing for the 2017 'Pathways to the Past' weekend, featuring guided walks and illustrated talks on various prehistoric and historical aspects of Cornwall. Contact information for CASPN, Friends of Cornwall's Ancient Sites (FOCAS), and the Lizard Ancient Sites Network (LAN) is provided.

Ancient Tracks: Kerris lane

This feature explores ancient pathways in West Penwith, focusing on Kerris lane. It details the historical significance of the area, including standing stones, an Iron Age structure (Kerris Round), and a medieval cross head. A 6th-century CE inscribed stone with the name 'Carasimilivs Macarius' was discovered nearby, suggesting the lane was part of an older trackway route. The article also notes that Bojewans Farm, the HQ of the Penwith Landscape Partnership, is located along this route.

Missing Menhirs: Goonmenheer stone

This article investigates the lost Goonmenheer standing stone near St.Buryan. Based on the 1840 Tithe Map, the original position was dowsed, and its remains were found broken in a hedge. The stone appears to have been part of a network of standing stones in the St.Buryan area, aligning with other menhirs like Treverven and Trevorgans.

Prehistoric Parishes: St.Buryan

This feature examines the St.Buryan parish, detailing its history from potential Romano-Celtic settlements and a 6th-century CE Celtic monastery to its medieval period. It mentions the churchyard's oval design, archaeological clues, and the historical conflict with Puritanism, which led to the destruction of church woodwork. The article also discusses the remains of an ancient building at Santry, traditionally thought to be a sanctuary, but possibly a tithe barn, with evidence of pottery and smelting works found during excavations.

Meyn Mamvro Publications

The magazine also promotes its own publications, including "Pagan Cornwall: Land of the Goddess," "Megalithic Mysteries of Cornwall," and "Fentyrnow Kernow: In Search of Cornwall's Holy Wells." It also lists the "Earth Mysteries Guides to Ancient Sites" series, covering different regions of Cornwall.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Meyn Mamvro are the preservation and study of ancient sites, folklore, and earth mysteries, particularly in Cornwall. The magazine advocates for a respectful approach to these sites, as evidenced by the discussion on the Madron Baptistry incident and the CASPN's charter. There is a strong emphasis on dowsing as a tool for exploring ancient landscapes and energy lines. The editorial stance appears to be one of scholarly inquiry, historical preservation, and appreciation for Cornwall's rich cultural and prehistoric heritage.

Title: MEYN MAMVRO
Issue: 92
Date: Winter-Spring 2017
Publisher: Meyn Mamvro
Country: United Kingdom
Language: English

This issue of MEYN MAMVRO is divided into two main sections: the first focuses on the prehistoric standing stones and sites around St. Buryan in Cornwall, and the second delves into the folklore and historical interpretations of Tintagel Castle, particularly its connection to the legends of Tristan and Yseult and King Arthur.

Prehistoric Sites of St. Buryan Parish

The magazine details a wealth of prehistoric standing stones, stone circles, holy wells, and other ancient sites within the Parish of St. Buryan. It highlights both well-known sites like Boscawen-ûn and Merry Maidens stone circles, and lesser-known locations. The article emphasizes the importance of these sites, many of which are now destroyed or have been moved, lamenting the loss of carefully constructed plans by Bronze Age ancestors.

Road-by-Road Exploration

The issue takes a systematic approach, exploring sites along five roads radiating from the church in St. Buryan:

• Road 1 (NW to Trevorgans Cross): Features the Trevorgans menhir, the newly-discovered Banns Farm stone, and mentions a greenstone axe found on Boscarm Vean farm, as well as a field named 'Long Stone' indicating a possible menhir site.
• Road 2 (South to Treen and Penberth): Discusses the former Goonmenheer stone, a Markstone on a ley alignment, and the Silena stones, one of which was a 3m (9ft) high menhir now lying in a hedge.
• Road 3 (SW to Boskenna Cross): Covers the Boscawen-Ros standing stones (formerly two, now one re-erected), a possible cut-down menhir stump, and a stone circle recorded by Borlase.
• Road 4 (East to Lamorna Pottery): Mentions a Celtic Cross, Vellansaga cross, and a field named 'Long Rock' suggesting another missing menhir site.
• Road 5 (North to Catchall and Penzance): Describes this road as having the densest concentration of megaliths, including the Pridden menhir, an entrance grave at Trevorrian Farm, and the Trelew menhir, Chyangwens stone, and a fallen stone near Trelew.

The article frequently mentions ley alignments and energy lines connecting these sites, suggesting a deliberate arrangement by ancient peoples. It also notes the destruction of many of these stones, often for modern construction or by neglect, citing examples like the Rissick stone uprooted in 2013.

Tintagel and the Legend of Tristan and Yseult

Authored by Mark Bowden, this section explores Tintagel Castle not just as a defensive structure but as a site imbued with cultural symbolism, particularly related to the legend of Tristan and Yseult. While often associated with King Arthur (conception), the medieval period saw Tristan and Yseult's story resonate strongly at Tintagel, which was a court of King Mark.

Richard, Earl of Cornwall, and the Legend

Richard, Earl of Cornwall, built the castle in the 13th century. Despite a lack of direct literary evidence for Richard's interest, the archaeological evidence and historical context suggest he deliberately reshaped the site to reflect the Tristan and Yseult legend. Features like a walled 'garden', a chapel on the cliff, and a rock-cut 'tunnel' (described as a 'larder' but more likely a romantic grotto) are interpreted as embodying elements from the legend.

Literary Connections and Interpretations

The article discusses how the landscape setting of medieval Tintagel, as depicted in early versions of the story, aligns with features at the castle. It notes that while the legend exists in many versions, the chapel's position above a cliff, allowing for Tristan's escape, bears a resemblance to Tintagel. The 'underground' elements of the legend (grotto or cave) are also linked to the castle's 'tunnel'. The author suggests that Richard's wives might have influenced his interest in the legend, but also points to literary evidence that subtly altered the story to compliment his grandparents, King Henry II and Queen Eleanor.

Further Research and Symbolism

The article touches upon the possibility of Tintagel's features being linked to 'hastiludes' (medieval amateur dramatics) and the marshy Gué Aventuros. It concludes that Tintagel's castle, like other structures, can be seen as imbued with cultural symbolism rather than purely defensive purpose. A list of further reading is provided, citing various historical and archaeological works on Tintagel and related legends.

Cornish Folklore: Tintagel

This regular column by folklorist Alex Langstone focuses on the folklore of Tintagel, dominated by King Arthur and the Tristan and Yseult legends. It mentions Geoffrey of Monmouth's account of Arthur's conception at Tintagel and the castle's connection to King Mark.

King Arthur's Footprint and Sea Serpent

A notable piece of 'Arthuriana' is the 'King Arthur's footprint' indentation on the clifftop. The column also recounts a reported sighting of a sea serpent in September 1907 by the Rev. T.C.Davies and Mr E Dodgson, describing a black object moving quickly on the water.

Local Charmers and Traditions

The column highlights the tales of local charmers and conjurors, mentioning 'Old Martin' who practiced an absent treatment charm for warts, never accepting payment and adhering to the tradition of not being thanked to ensure the charm's efficacy.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently highlights the rich prehistoric and folkloric heritage of Cornwall, particularly in the St. Buryan and Tintagel areas. There is a strong emphasis on the archaeological evidence, the importance of ley lines in prehistoric site placement, and the enduring power of legends like those of King Arthur and Tristan and Yseult. A recurring theme is the lament for the destruction and loss of ancient sites, underscoring the magazine's role in documenting and preserving this heritage. The editorial stance appears to be one of scholarly inquiry combined with an appreciation for local history, folklore, and the mysteries of the past.

MEYN MAMVRO, issue 92, published Winter-Spring 2017, is a magazine focused on Cornish folklore, history, and related subjects. The issue delves into various aspects of local traditions, ancient sites, and historical accounts, including charms, witchcraft, archaeology, and the intersection of paganism and Christianity.

Folklore and Charms

The magazine opens with a section on interesting charms for curing ailments. One charm for sprains involves a spoken incantation while holding the injured limb, invoking Jesus Christ. Another charm, for boils, uses a spell with three angels. A 1930s charm from Tintagel for curing ringworm instructs the user to encircle the affected area three times with a half-crown, which is said to dry out the worm and lead to new skin.

Witch Bottles and Wayside Crosses

An account details the discovery of several witch bottles buried beneath an old wayside cross at Bossiney in the 1880s. Antiquarian writer H. Michell Whitley reported that a farmer found bottles filled with water and pins when the cross was reset. The local explanation was that such bottles were used by those who felt 'ill-wished'; they were filled with water, pinned, corked, and buried at the foot of a holy cross to transfer the ill-wish back to the sender. The article suggests this might refer to the cross at Fenterleigh, which has been moved multiple times. Andrew Langdon's research indicates the cross was near a hedge in the 1860s and moved by the farmer around 1880, coinciding with the witch bottle discovery. It has since been moved again due to road widening but remains near its original location, marked by the field name 'Cross field'. This section is taken from the forthcoming book "From Granite to Sea: the Folklore of Bodmin Moor and East Cornwall" by Alex Langstone.

Book Reviews

Cornwall's First Golden Age: from Arthur to the Normans by Bernard Deacon

This section reviews Bernard Deacon's book, described as a groundbreaking work on early Cornish history, covering the period from the Dark Ages to the early Christian era. Deacon challenges Anglocentric views of assimilation, arguing for a distinct Cornish identity. The book examines the 'King Arthur' legend, the collapse of the Roman Empire, the rise of Dumnonia, and the development of a 'Cornish' culture distinct from Wessex by the 8th and 9th centuries. It highlights Cornwall's survival as an independent entity despite pressure from the English kingdom.

The British Book of spells and charms by Graham King

This review discusses Graham King's book, which draws heavily on the collections of The Witchcraft Museum in Boscastle. It explores traditional British folk magic, spells, and charms for various purposes including good fortune, love, healing, and curses. The book is noted for its illustrations and compilation of widely used folk magic and remedies.

Spells from the Wise Woman's Cottage by Steve Patterson

Steve Patterson's book is linked to The Witchcraft Museum, focusing on the 'Wise Woman' tradition. It recreates the social setting of wise women (healers, midwives, etc.) and transcribes traditional 19th-century charms and spells from the West Country, drawing from the museum's displays and archives.

20 Years Ago: Paganism and Christianity in Cornwall

This section revisits a 1996 article from MM31 concerning the interface between paganism and Christianity. It recalls three news items from that summer: the appointment of Cassandra Latham as a 'witch of St.Buryan' to a voluntary post as pagan chaplain at the Royal Cornwall Hospital in Truro, which drew mixed reactions; an objection to a 'pagan symbol' on an official banner at the Golowan festival in Penzance; and fears of desecration at a holy site in West Penwith (Sancreed well) where branches were cut from a cloutie tree. The article then assesses the situation 20 years later, noting the thriving interfaith organization Dor Kemmyn, which includes representatives from various faiths. It highlights their spiritual walks and a major project to create a multi-faith centre in Cornwall on a 3-acre site offered by Cornwall Council near Truro, emphasizing understanding and dialogue.

30 Years Ago: The Tinners Way

This section looks back at a Spring 1987 MM article about the Tinners Way, an ancient track across the West Penwith Moors. The article recounts the first public walks along the route in 1986 and 1987, involving many participants. It notes that despite initial hopes for good waymarking and adoption, the trail has largely suffered from neglect and indifference, with sections becoming overgrown or lost. However, the recent involvement of the Penwith Landscape Partnership Project and the Heritage Lottery Fund has provided a new impetus, with efforts underway to outline the exact route and bring the trail to fruition, suggesting better prospects for its maintenance and accessibility.

The Piper's Tune: Stone Circles and Astronomical Alignments

This article details the excavation of stone circles on Bodmin Moor by Roy Goutté and the TimeSeekers group. At the south circle of Leskernick, 16 fallen ring stones were found, with evidence suggesting an original total of 26 stones. The north circle had 3 earth-fast stones and a whaleback centre stone, with the group uncovering a complete circle of 23 stones. The article also touches upon Carolyn Kennett's research into astronomical alignments of sites in West Penwith, including summer solstice alignments at Boscawen-ûn. It discusses the Royal Astronomical Society's suggestion that passage graves might have been used for astronomical observation, with the first sighting of a star after its absence potentially serving as a seasonal marker or indicating migration routes.

Exchange Magazines and Publications

The issue includes a directory of other related magazines and publications available by subscription, such as 'Earth Mysteries', 'Touchstone', 'Society of Ley Hunters', 'Network of Ley Hunters', 'Rilko (patterns)', 'Paganism', 'Pagan Dawn', and 'Greenmantle'. It also lists websites and contact details for these publications.

Meyn Mamvro Website and Folders

Information is provided about the Meyn Mamvro website, offering subscription renewals, book purchases, access to content lists, and other resources. The availability of Meyn Mamvro folders for storing magazines is also advertised.

Noticeboard

The noticeboard section lists upcoming events and activities related to dowsing, pagan federations, pagan moots in various locations across Cornwall and Devon, and celebrations such as Beltane, Maypole dances, and the Helston Flora Day. It includes contact details, websites, and dates for these events.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on the rich folklore, history, and spiritual traditions of Cornwall and the West Country. It aims to document and preserve local heritage, including ancient sites, folk magic, and the evolving relationship between different belief systems. The editorial stance appears to be one of promoting understanding, dialogue, and appreciation for the region's unique cultural landscape, encouraging research and community involvement in preserving this heritage.