Meyn Mamvro - No 094 - AutumnWinter 2017

Magazine Overview

This issue of Meyn Mamvro, number 94, published in Autumn-Winter 2017, is a magazine dedicated to exploring ancient stones and sacred sites in Cornwall. The cover features a map of Cornwall and highlights key themes such as 'STONES & FINDS OF THE LAND'S END AREA', 'CARN KENIDJACK TOR ENCLOSURE', 'CASPN', 'DOWSING', 'FOLKLORE', and 'ANCIENT TRACKS', noting that all photos are in full colour. The price is £3.00.

Editorial

The editorial section notes that this issue is a couple of months late due to the editor's recovery from an operation and a fall. Despite this, the editor has kept in touch with events in Cornwall, expressing disappointment at the frequent sacrifice of ancient sites and historic landscapes for development and 'progress'. Two specific cases are highlighted: the illegal development at St.Ambrose's well in Crantock, where landscaping works have altered the site without planning permission, and the proposed construction of a large bridge at Tintagel by English Heritage, which has faced significant objections from the public and local authorities. The editor questions the effectiveness of planning departments and criticizes English Heritage's approach to managing sites.

Contents

The table of contents reveals a wide range of articles and features:

• Editorial (p. 1)
• Dowsing News (p. 2): Reports on talks and activities by Tamar Dowsers and Trencrom Dowsers, including discussions on pilgrimages, ancient sites, medical dowsing, holy wells, and dowsing for health.
• Spring into Summer 2017 (p. 4): Covers revived customs such as visiting Fenton Bebibell and Figgy Dowdy's well, Beltane ceremonies, and traditional May Day festivities like Padstow Obby Oss day and Helston Flora Day.
• CASPN news (p. 5): A round-up of events and activities from the Cornish Ancient Sites Protection Network, including walks and talks on ancient sites in West Penwith.
• St.Ambose's well development / Wells Corner (p. 6): Details the controversy surrounding the illegal building at Crantock Well and a feature on holy wells in Cornwall, including Ruzza well and Treveal well.
• Ancient Tracks: 14 - Devil's Lane, Tregeseal (p. 7): Explores an ancient track in West Penwith, potentially part of the Bronze Age Tinners Way, and its connection to local legends.
• Carn Kenidjack Tor Enclosure (p. 8): Introduces a new series on enigmatic megalithic sites, focusing on the Carn Kenidjack 'Tor Enclosure' in Cornwall.
• Stones and finds of the Land's End area:
• Three megalithic alignments at Land's End - Graham Hill (p. 10)
• The prehistoric centre at Land's End (p. 13)
• The stones of Trevean - Palden Jenkins (p. 14)
• Carn Lês Boel - a special energy centre (p. 16)
• Madgy Figgy's chair ladder (p. 17)
• Cornish Folklore: Water lore from Bodmin Moor - Alex Langstone (p. 18)
• Book Reviews (p. 20)
• 20 years ago (p. 22)
• 30 years ago (p. 23)
• The Pipers Tune (p. 24)

Dowsing News

This section details various dowsing events. Tamar Dowsers heard Terry Faull speak on pilgrimages. Trencrom Dowsers had a "look-back" meeting with John and Jill Moss and a presentation by medical dowser Sean Ferris on evolutionary processes and earth energies. Tamar Dowsers also heard Helen Fox discuss The Holy Wells of Cornwall, and Trencrom Dowsers heard Ros Briagha speak on 'Dowsing for health with herbs'. Tamar Dowsers celebrated their 15th anniversary with David Lockwood and Val Bruce-Smith, discussing holistic healing and dowsing.

Spring into Summer 2017

This article recounts revived customs and festivities. The 12th year of the Fenton Bebibell custom saw adults and children visiting the well. A similar ceremony took place at Figgy Dowdy's well. Two Beltane ceremonies were held in West Penwith, one at The Living Well Centre and another at Trencrom. The article also mentions the Padstow Obby Oss day, Helston Flora Day, and the Penzance May Horns, all celebrating the transition from winter to summer. Usual Summer Solstice events like Midsummer Bonfires and Mazey Day are also noted.

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

This section covers the 11th annual 'Pathways to the Past' weekend organized by the Cornish Ancient Sites Protection Network (CASPN) and the Lizard Ancient Sites Network (LAN). The event included walks led by John and Jill Moss to Zennor Carn and Quoit, and by David Giddings around Bosigran. Paul Bonnington gave a presentation on 'The Power of Place', James Kitto shared a photographic journey of West Penwith, and Adrian Rodda presented a poem-walk. Rory Te'Tigo gave a talk on his finds in West Penwith. The next event is scheduled for Saturday 26th & Sunday 27th May 2018. Contact details for CASPN, FOCAS, and LAN are provided.

Illegal Building at Crantock Well

This article details the controversy surrounding St.Ambrose's well in Crantock. The well, located in a conservation area, has been incorporated into extensive landscaping works by the owners of the house above, who reside in Berkshire. These works allegedly required planning permission but were undertaken illegally. The original carved wooden door, made in 1975 by Dr. Rob Olver, has been removed. The well is currently dry, and there is some confusion about its original location or if it had a pump.

Wells Corner

This regular feature on Cornwall's holy wells discusses Ruzza well on Tresean Common and St.Cuberts Holy Well. It also describes another 'holy' well north of Cubert village, found in a picturesque setting beside a stream with a well-preserved house. It is noted that this well is not listed in the Historic Environment Record. Another well is mentioned in the hamlet of Treveal. The article provides a link to 'Holy Wells of Cornwall' on Facebook.

Ancient Tracks: 14 - Devil's Lane, Tregeseal

This article examines Devil's Lane on Tregeseal Common, West Penwith, as part of a series on ancient pathways. It is described as a deeply sunken track, possibly part of the original Bronze Age Tinners Way, or even of Neolithic origin. The lane passes by prehistoric features like the Gol Voel circular enclosure and the 'Devil's Lane circle'. The name 'Devil's Lane' is attributed to a local legend of a demonic wrestling match. The article suggests the legend may recall pre-Christian use of the area.

Curious and Enigmatic Monuments: Carn Kenidjack 'Tor Enclosure'

This article introduces a new series on megalithic sites. It focuses on 'Tor Enclosures', a class of monument recently identified, mainly in Cornwall. These are large enclosures near natural rock outcrops (tors), often with circular stone walls, dating from the Neolithic period. They may have served as community centres for social and ceremonial interaction. The article discusses known Tor Enclosures like Carn Brea, Helman Tor, Rough Tor, and Stowe's Hill, and suggests Carn Kenidjack may be the smallest Tor Enclosure discovered, with some interesting features despite lacking house sites.

Publications

Penwith Press, founded by Hamish Miller, offers books, DVDs, maps, and tools related to earth mysteries and dowsing. They publish works by various researchers and stock energy current maps. The magazine also lists publications from Meyn Mamvro itself, including 'PAGAN CORNWALL', 'Megalithic Mysteries of Cornwall', and 'FENTYNYOW KERNOW', as well as the 'EARTH MYSTERIES GUIDES TO ANCIENT SITES' series covering different regions of Cornwall.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are ancient sites, sacred places, dowsing practices, Cornish folklore, and the preservation of Cornwall's historical and natural landscape. The editorial stance is clearly one of concern over development encroaching on these sites and a critical view of planning authorities and organizations like English Heritage when they appear to facilitate such development at the expense of heritage and natural beauty. There is a strong emphasis on the importance of these ancient sites and their connection to the land and its energies.

MEYN MAMVRO | Issue 94 | Autumn-Winter 2017

This issue of Meyn Mamvro, published in Autumn-Winter 2017, focuses on the prehistoric landscape and folklore of Cornwall, particularly the Land's End peninsula and Bodmin Moor. The magazine explores ancient sites, megalithic alignments, and local legends, offering insights into the region's rich history and mystical heritage.

Carn Kenidjack: A Prehistoric Focus

The first article discusses Carn Kenidjack, a tor that shows traces of walling, suggesting it might have been a 'mini Tor Enclosure'. It also features a prehistoric cairn, indicating use for burial or ritual deposition in the Neolithic period. The area around Carn Kenidjack is rich in megalithic monuments, including stone circles, enclosures, barrows, and holed stones, many of which appear to be focused on the tor itself. The article references archaeologist John Barnatt's suggestion that such sites were sacred places where people processed at special times of the year, drawing parallels with Carn Galva and the Nine Maidens stone circle at Boskednan.

Three Megalithic Alignments at Land's End

Authored by Graham Hill, this section details the investigation of megalithic alignments in the Land's End area, specifically between The Lands End Hotel and Greeb farm. The research involved searching footpaths, identifying flintwork from Mesolithic and more recent periods, and focusing on a tor at SW34614 24787. The article highlights several standing stones, including the 'Greeb stone' at SW34544 24731, which is aligned with the Longships offshore rocks. Other stones, such as a pyramidal stone near Greeb Farm and a standing stone at SW34674 24773, are also examined for their alignments with natural features and other stones. The characteristics of these stones, such as their sunk position and vertical planes of weakness, suggest ancient vertical emplacement. The alignments are noted to be predominantly East to West, pointing to prominent landscape features.

The Prehistoric Centre of Land's End

This article expands on the prehistoric significance of the Land's End area, noting its importance from the Mesolithic period onwards. Finds include lithic flint scatters, greenstone axes, Neolithic scatters and pottery, and a Bronze Age cist with barrow remains. The area around Pordenack Point is described as containing Mesolithic flints, scrapers, cores, flakes, and microliths, as well as a possible Neolithic cemetery, Bronze Age barrows, and an entrance grave. Another nearby barrow features an entrance grave and two upright stones that may be the remains of a small cist. The article emphasizes that despite its current popularity as a coastal path, this stretch of coast held immense ritual significance for the people who visited and buried their dead there.

The Stones of Trevean

Palden Jenkins explores the 'Stones of Trevean' in the far southwest of Penwith. Initially appearing empty of ancient sites, the area reveals several potential menhirs and ancient stones. John Watts of Polgigga points out a recumbent stone near Higher Bosistow ('the Bosistow stone'), while a friend, Suzy, identifies a stone set into a wall below Trevean (Trevean 1). David Giddings discovered a nearby menhir in a hedge. Further investigation reveals another stone nearby (Trevean 2). The article notes that three of these sites form a triangle, bisected by an alignment. These alignments connect to further-away sites, including the Merry Maidens stone circle, suggesting a deliberate and precise placement of these stones for a purpose, possibly with mathematical or astronomical significance.

Carn Lês Boel: A Special Energy Centre

This section focuses on Carn Lês Boel, an Iron Age cliff castle and a site renowned as an 'energy centre'. It is described as the location where the 'Michael' and 'Mary' energy lines entered mainland England. Hamish Miller and Paul Broadhurst experienced a 'peculiar mood of mystical reverie' there, noting its special nature. The article details various alignments associated with Carn Lês Boel, connecting it to other sites like Higher Bosistow, Merry Maidens, and the Longships rocks, with remarkable accuracy. The question of where these energy lines go after leaving the land is posed, with a link provided to follow the possible Michael trail.

Madgy Figgy's Chair Ladder

This article recounts the legend of Madgy Figgy, a witch from St. Levan and Burian, associated with 'The Chair Ladder', a dramatic seascape feature at Tol-Pedn-Penwith. Described as a 'fine pile of granite', the feature includes a stone on top resembling a chair. Madgy Figgy is said to have used this spot to call upon storm spirits and to embark on flights with other witches. A further story tells of her luring a Portuguese Indiaman boat to its doom, and her subsequent actions regarding the bodies and their jewels, highlighting her power and connection to other witches.

Cornish Folklore: Water Lore from Bodmin Moor

Folklorist Alex Langstone contributes a piece on water lore from Bodmin Moor, focusing on Dozmary Pool. The article discusses the pool's origins and its association with folklore, including the ghostly wild hunt. The legend of Jan Tregeagle is central, detailing his punishment of emptying the bottomless Dozmary Pool with a leaky limpet shell, overseen by demon hounds. The pool is also said to be home to the 'Old Storm Woman', a ghostly mermaid figure who creates winds. The article mentions an ancient carving of a mermaid in the nearby Linkinhorne church as a possible reminder of this legend.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the rich prehistoric heritage of Cornwall, particularly the megalithic structures and their potential alignments and significance. Folklore and local legends, such as those associated with Carn Lês Boel, Madgy Figgy, and Jan Tregeagle, are also prominent. The magazine's stance appears to be one of deep interest and exploration into the historical, archaeological, and mystical aspects of the Cornish landscape, encouraging readers to discover and appreciate these ancient sites and stories.

Meyn Mamvro, Issue 94, Autumn-Winter 2017, is a publication focused on Cornish folklore, earth mysteries, and related topics. The issue delves into local legends, historical sites, and archaeological findings within Cornwall.

Dozmary Pool and the Fowey River

The issue begins by discussing the legendary associations of Dozmary Pool, most famously with Sir Bedevere casting Excalibur into the lake to the Lady of the Lake. It also explores the pool's connection to the Fowey River, suggesting it as a legendary source, though the actual source is at Fenton Fowi. A folk-tale suggests that anything sucked into Dozmary's vortex resurfaces in Fowey Harbour. The River Fowey's journey is traced from moorland heights to the southern coast, passing through Golitha Falls, a ravine known for its noise and ferocity. The woodland around Golitha is noted for its Beech trees, giving the river its name 'Fowey' from the Cornish 'Fowi' meaning 'beech tree river'. The gorge at Golitha offers scenic walks.

Golitha Falls and Local Hauntings

Golitha Falls is highlighted as a place of legend and haunting. It is reputedly haunted by King Doniert (Donyarth), the last Cornish king, who died in 875 AD and is said to have drowned in the lower falls. His memorial stone is nearby at St Cleer. The area is also associated with a 'white lady' ghost seen on the road through Draynes Valley, often appearing to motorists after dark, possibly to warn them of dangers. 'White ladies' are common folklore manifestations at waterfalls. The woods and waterfall are also said to be haunted by the ghostly tapping of copper miners from the historic Wheal Victoria Copper Mine, along with strange whispers, cries, and moans, attributed possibly to the 'Pobel Vean' (little people or piskies) who are believed to dwell in the hidden parts of the landscape.

Book Reviews

The issue features several book reviews relevant to Cornish folklore and earth mysteries:

From Granite to Sea: the folklore of Bodmin Moor and East Cornwall by Alex Langstone

This book is presented as a significant contribution to rectifying the neglect of folklore from this region. Alex Langstone, a regular contributor to Meyn Mamvro, structures the book into 12 chapters, one for each month of the year. Each chapter begins with a narrative by 'Old Jack Lamplight', a fictional character who weaves tales of natural history, customs, and folklore. The book covers a wide range of topics, including folk customs, forgotten lore, and cultural traditions such as the Giglet Fair of Launceston, the Candlemas feast at St.Blazey, spectral voices at Tregudda Gorge, the cloud ship of Boscastle, a May Day celebration at Fowey, tales of teleportation, scrying, and the legend of the Old Storm Woman at Dozmary Pool. It also details the Crying the Neck carving, St.Picrous, the story of Anne Jefferies and the fairies, and piskey folk. Langstone's work is described as providing "a solid cohesion, a thread of something tangible, yet elusive, which flows through the folklore of this part of Cornwall".

Lien Gwerin: A Journal of Cornish Folklore

This is a new journal compiled and edited by Alex Langstone, featuring tales of saints, demons, conjurers, and legends from various folklore collectors. It costs £5 and is available from www.cornishfolklore.co.uk.

Otherworlds: Images of transformation in Cornish Culture by Brendan McMahon

Brendan McMahon's book explores key stories that define Cornish culture, focusing on religious material like the Ordinalia, Arthurian legends, and the stories of Tristan and Iseult, as well as the Saints of Cornwall. McMahon offers insights into these stories, though the review notes he sometimes misses deeper understanding, for example, interpreting stories of the Fairy Widower and Cherry of Zennor as courtly love rather than insights into the Celtic Otherworld. The book also examines Cornish Saints' lives, including Meriasek and Ke.

"Restless Natives" - an account of Save Penwith Moors 2008-2016 by Ian Cooke

This nearly 300-page book details the campaign activities of environmental activists opposing the enclosure of West Penwith moors and seeking to preserve access to ancient sites. It chronicles their successes and setbacks against organizations like Natural England and the National Trust. The book is described as a historic document, enhanced by photographs and an essay on the Tinner's Way. The concluding statement from the book criticizes agricultural schemes for prioritizing financial benefits over biodiversity.

20 Years Ago: Warleggan

This section revisits articles from MM issues 32 and 33 (Winter/Spring 1997 and Summer 1997) concerning the mysterious place of Warleggan. The hamlet is described as lonely and attracting eccentrics. The ancient church is noted, along with a past incident where lightning struck its spire in 1818. The Rectory is described as having a 'wierd atmosphere', and the Reverend Frederick William Densham, who served from 1931 to 1953, became a recluse, fitting the building with locks and bolts and a barbed wire fence. The local people petitioned for his removal, but the Bishop refused. Densham died alone after an accident in the church. The review suggests he felt under psychic attack. Andrew Hassell reinforced these impressions, noting rumours of 'near-heretical' activities in the 14th century by Ralph de Tremur. A later visitor, Sue Ashton, experienced 'The Hummadruz', an insistent droning noise. The Rectory was also home to amateur archaeologist Roger Farnworth, who also died prematurely. Warleggan is portrayed as a place of enduring mystery and shadow.

30 Years Ago: Earth Mysteries and Megalithic Sites

This section looks back at articles from MM issue 4 (November 1987) concerning 'earth mysteries'. An article by Helen Woodley, "Where stones touch the sky", examined megalithic sites on Dartmoor and West Penwith, suggesting stones were positioned to reflect the horizon, citing examples at Drift and Tregeseal circle. Another article by Michael Woolf and Rachel Garcia recounted an 'Earthsound' experience at the Blind Fiddler standing stone. As sunset approached, they experienced a 'sudden muffled thunderclap' emanating from beneath the earth, which they attributed to a triggered charge possibly related to alignments between the earth and celestial spheres. They described the experience as leaving them feeling the 'mother-land was very much alive and replenished'.

The Piper's Tune of Duloe Stone Circle

This article details a geophysical survey conducted in 2013 and 2016 at the Duloe Stone Circle in SE Cornwall. The survey aimed to understand the subsurface remains. Magnetometry revealed unknown features, strongly suggesting a cist at the centre of the circle, which would be the first such example found in Cornwall. An outer circular ditch was also identified. Anomalies, possibly prehistoric pits containing cremations, indicated past activity at the site. Further investigation, including targeted excavation and an expanded geophysical survey, is suggested.

Exchange Magazines and Websites

The issue lists various magazines and websites related to Earth Mysteries, Paganism, and Folklore, including Northern Earth, Touchstone, Society of Ley Hunters, Network of Ley Hunters, RILKO, Quest, Pagan Dawn, and Greenmantle. It also promotes the Meyn Mamvro website, offering renewals, book purchases, and access to content.

Noticeboard

The Noticeboard section lists upcoming events, talks, and workshops. These include talks by Trencrom Dowsers and Tamar Dowsers on topics like 'Dartmoor Mindscapes' and 'The power of place'. Ancient Sites Clear-Ups are advertised for West Penwith. The Cornish School of Mysteries offers courses on Wicca and witchcraft. Tree House Spiritual Centre and Know Thy Self (Falmouth) are also listed. Various Pagan Moots are scheduled in Penzance, Camborne, Redruth, and Bude. Other listings include the Museum of Witchcraft & Magic at Boscastle and the Pagan Federation's Spring Conference.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are Cornish folklore, local legends, ghosts, earth mysteries, and archaeological sites. The magazine appears to have a strong focus on the esoteric and the unexplained, with a particular emphasis on the history and mythology of Cornwall. The editorial stance seems to be one of exploration and documentation of these subjects, presenting them to an interested readership through articles, historical reviews, and book critiques. The inclusion of '20 Years Ago' and '30 Years Ago' sections suggests a commitment to revisiting and contextualizing past research and discussions within the field.