Meyn Mamvro - No 098 - SpringSummer 2019

Magazine Overview

Meyn Mamvro is a magazine dedicated to exploring ancient stones and sacred sites in Cornwall. This issue, No. 98, published for Spring-Summer 2019, features a cover price of £3.00 and highlights topics such as 'Mythic Pathways', 'Rediscovered Menhir', 'Stannon Moor Stone Row', 'Fogous', 'Dowsing', 'Folklore', and 'Wells Corner'. The magazine also notes that all photos are now in full colour. The editorial team can be reached via email at [email protected], with a postal address provided for Meyn Mamvro Publications in Penzance, Cornwall.

Contents

The issue's contents span a wide range of articles and news items. It includes an editorial, 'Dowsing News', 'Lost & Found' pieces on the Treryn Dinas menhir and Bolatherick boundary stone, and 'CASPN News'. There's a report on an Australian archaeologist finding a Cornish barrow with an intact pot, and a discussion on 'Curious and enigmatic monuments: staddle stones or chevaux-de-frise?'. Specific sites like Stannon Moor stone rows, Old Moll's well, and Wells Corner are detailed. 'Mythic Pathways: 2 - The Giants Way' and an article on old fogou stones are featured, alongside 'Encounters with the Otherworld at fogou sites' and 'Cornish Folklore: Roseland folklore'. Book reviews and articles on '20 years ago: Sites on Bodmin Moor' and '30 years ago: Anomalous energies and quartz stones' are also included.

Penwith Landscape Partnership (PLP) and CASPN Activities

The magazine highlights the significant work being done by the Penwith Landscape Partnership (PLP), with CASPN as a lead partner. Over recent months, volunteers have been involved in clearing major sites like Chûn Castle and Bosullow Trehyllis courtyard house settlement, making them more accessible. The PLP is also surveying sites with a volunteer team trained by PLP archaeologists. Contractors have cleared vegetation at Bosiliack settlement, preparing for new trails to enhance visitor experience. The PLP is in its second year of a five-year programme, with a team working at offices in St.Just under Project Manager Pattie Richmond. The Access Officer, Matt Watts, has organized weekly volunteer tasks focused on Open Access paths. In the last quarter, 2,535m of paths were cleared by volunteers, equating to 22 days of work and over £1000 in unskilled labour value. A highlight was their first weekend Walking Festival, which attracted 107 people. The PLP's work is supported by a Grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund, with excellent cooperation between the PLP and CASPN. Information on the project is available on www.penwithlandscape.com and their Facebook page.

Dowsing News and Events

The 'Dowsing News' section covers several talks and presentations. Gary Biltcliffe and Caroline Hoare presented 'The Power of Centre', discussing their book 'The Spine of Albion' which explores earth energies and landscape mysteries. Their research focuses on Celtic centres and omphalos sites. Carolyn Kennett gave a presentation on 'Astronomy Heritage in Ancient Penwith', discussing archaeo-astronomy and the metonic cycle, and her research at Boscawen-ûn stone circle, detailing solar and lunar alignments. John Moss, past-President of the British Society of Dowsers, gave two talks: 'Pasties, cream teas and dowsing rods: the dowsing story of West Cornwall', tracing the history of geomancers and dowsers in the region, and 'Consciously communicating with our surroundings', emphasizing the importance of listening to the land. An event, 'GO SCILLY WITH THE LEY HUNTERS!', is announced, a week-long tour of ancient sites on the Isles of Scilly from June 8th to 14th, 2019, guided by Cheryl Straffon.

Lost & Found: Treryn Dinas Menhir and Bolatherick Boundary Stone

The 'Lost & Found' section details two significant finds. A fallen standing stone, identified as a Bronze Age menhir, was discovered and re-erected at Treryn Dinas Cliff Castle. It is noted to be on alignments related to the Nine Maidens stone circle and Castle-an-Dinas. The second find is a boundary stone on Bodmin Moor at SX12658 76845, which may be a re-used standing stone, located near the King Arthur's Downs stone circles. Kenny Price's blog, 'Ancient Whispers Penwith', focusing on geomantic alignments, is also recommended.

C.A.S.P.N & LAN News Round-Up

The Cornish Ancient Sites Protection Network (CASPN) is celebrating 21 years of operation, highlighting its updated website and active Facebook page. CASPN has a network of Site Monitors and conducts small-scale clear-ups at ancient sites. They organize 'Pathways to the Past' events, including guided walks and talks around West Penwith on May 25th-26th. These include walks on 'Saints and Stones', 'From working mines to World Heritage sites', and 'Mermaids, wrecks and tombs', as well as talks on 'Tintagel, Dumnonia and post-Roman Britain' and 'Folklore of Bodmin Moor & East Cornwall'. Contact details and support information for CASPN and the Lizard Ancient Sites Network (LAN) are provided.

Aussie Archaeologist Finds Cornish Barrow

Dr. Catherine Frieman, an archaeologist from the Australian National University, discovered a previously unidentified Bronze Age burial mound at Hendersick near Looe. The site, identified through geophysical surveys, revealed a circular ditch and pits. An excavation uncovered an intact clay urn containing human bone fragments and cremated remains, dating back 4000 years. The team was puzzled by the discovery of a medieval pot, dating from the 12th or 13th century, buried on the same site. Evidence suggests the area was a 'traversed place' and a significant shipping highway in prehistory, possibly for the movement of metals.

Curious and Enigmatic Monuments: Staddle Stones or Chevaux-de-Frise?

This article explores monuments that do not fit easily into existing categories. It discusses 'chevaux-de-frise', a feature found on Iron Age sites in north-west Spain, Portugal, western Wales, western Ireland, and Scotland. While none have been positively identified in Cornwall, an enigmatic monument at Rostarlock on Bodmin Moor is considered. Suggestions include it being a chevaux-de-frise or staddle stones for a mowhay. The defensive function of chevaux-de-frise is questioned due to their fragility, and it is noted that most examples survive in uncultivated or protected landscapes.

Stannon Moor Stone Row

Alan Simkins writes about the Stannon Moor stone circle and an enigmatic 'stone setting' of four stones nearby, identified as the 'Dragon's Teeth' or 'Devil's Teeth'. This setting is believed to be the start of a stone row, aligned to the north. An investigation in August 2018 identified nine further stones forming a row of approximately 150m, with the southernmost stone possibly being a 'blocking' stone, common in Neolithic stone rows. Andy Norfolk suggests the 'Dragon's Teeth' setting might have been a double stone row.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Meyn Mamvro revolve around the rich ancient heritage of Cornwall, with a strong emphasis on megalithic sites, earth energies, folklore, and archaeological discoveries. The magazine promotes active engagement with these sites through events like guided walks and clear-ups, highlighting the work of local organizations such as CASPN and the Penwith Landscape Partnership. The editorial stance appears to be one of enthusiastic exploration, preservation, and dissemination of knowledge about Cornwall's ancient past, encouraging readers to visit and learn about these significant locations.

MEYN MAMVRO, Issue 98, Spring-Summer 2019, is a magazine focused on exploring ancient sites, folklore, and mysterious phenomena primarily within Cornwall, United Kingdom. The issue features a variety of articles covering stone rows, holy wells, and the enigmatic structures known as fogous, alongside discussions of mythic pathways and local legends.

Articles

Stone Rows and Landscape Features

The issue begins with an exploration of stone rows, detailing observations made while walking up and down a row, likely the Stannon row. The author notes landscape features visible from different points along the row, such as Brown Willy and Alex Tor on the horizon, and the alignment of a blocking stone with a notch on Rough Tor. It also mentions the presence of 'sea triangles' visible to the west. The article notes that while many stone rows are found near stone circles, they are not always aligned to them, citing examples from Dartmoor and Bodmin Moor. The Stannon site itself is discussed, noting it was suggested as a monument in 2013 but not listed, and that a recent survey by Dr. Sandy Gerrard suggests it should be reconsidered. A link is provided for full details on the Stannon row. An editorial note mentions a visit by the West Cornwall Dowsers Group in August 2013, who identified a putative stone row, and a subsequent visit in February 2019 by Alan, Andy Norfolk, Cheryl Straffon, and Lana Jarvis, which identified and confirmed 'Alan's row'. This row was found to run at approximately 140 degrees and appears to follow the line of an old trackway.

Old Moll's Well Uncovered

This section details the recent uncovering of an historic well on Kenidjack Common near St.Just by Matt Watts and Cheryl Straffon. The well, found near the Holed Stones below Carn Kenidjack, is described as very deep with surrounding stones and a rudimentary step. Craig Weatherhill believes it to be the well mentioned in an 1871 tale by Robert Hunt. The article recounts the tale of 'Old Moll', a witch whose ghost was said to inhabit the well, causing strange occurrences for those who drew water at night. The story involves a miner's sister who encounters the ghost and is warned by her brothers about the well's spectral inhabitant.

Trevor Rogers and Alsia Holy Well

Trevor Rogers, the owner of the land where Alsia Holy Well stood, passed away on December 27th, 2018. He is remembered as a dedicated guardian of the well, who spent considerable time and resources on its maintenance. Rogers authored a book, "There are pagans at the bottom of my garden," and an article for MM on 'Alsia's Other Well'. At the time of writing, his property, including the holy well, was up for sale.

Wells Corner: St.Benet's Abbey Well

This regular feature on Cornwall's holy wells highlights the St.Benet's Abbey well near Lanivet. The new owners have uncovered and cleared a well in the gardens. St.Benet's Abbey was founded in 1411 as a lazar house or hospital. The well is presumed to date from the Abbey's foundation or its later use as a house. It may have been associated with a St.Benedict's Chapel licensed in 1411 and could have been a healing well. Lanivet is described as a 'sacred grove or place'. Another holy well, dedicated to St.Congar, once existed nearby, with some remains recently found by John Litton.

The Fourth John Michell Symposium

An announcement for the Fourth John Michell Symposium, hosted by the Temenos Academy at the Art Workers' Guild in London on June 22, 2019. The event features presentations by authors, researchers, geometers, and artists, including Michael Schneider, Adam Tetlow, Joscelyn Godwin, Julia Cleave, and Gary Lachman, discussing topics related to cosmology, metrology, geometry, and John Michell's work. An additional geometry workshop is also advertised.

Mythic Pathways: 'The Giants Way' [St.Michael's Mount to St.Ives Island]

This article, part of a new series on ancient pathways, explores the route from St.Michael's Mount to St.Ives Island. It combines landscape tracks, alignments, and myths and legends, drawing on the work of William Bottrell and Robert Hunt. The article recounts a story about giants of Cornwall, specifically a giant named Tom who encounters another giant, Denbras, and a legend involving Cormoran and his wife Cormelian associated with St.Michael's Mount and Trencrom Hill. The area is described as having significant energy lines and is part of the modern St.Michael's Way. The article suggests these sites were considered 'special' in prehistoric times and may have been linked by a 'sacred way'.

A New Look at Old Fogou Stones

Alan Crutch writes about fogous, subterranean structures found in Cornwall, questioning their original purpose and noting their survival through various eras. The article discusses developments at Porthmeor and Carn Euny, where Courtyard Houses have been attached to fogous. It mentions drains and blocked passages at Porthmeor, and a new entrance at Carn Euny. Halligye fogou is noted as a hiding place during the civil war and a roost for bats. Boleigh fogou is home to large spiders. The author describes finding shiny stones within the fogous at Boleigh and Halligye, speculating on their significance. He also mentions a shiny quartz stone at Pendeen fogou. The article references Ian Cooke's book "Mother and Son The Cornish Fogou" and "The Earth Mysteries Guide to Ancient sites in West Penwith" by Andy Norfolk.

Cornish Folklore: Roseland Folklore

Alex Langstone's folklore column focuses on the Roseland peninsula. It describes the area, including villages like St. Mawes, and mentions the holy well named after St. Maudez. The article also discusses the village of Veryan, known for its round house sentinels built by Jeremiah Trist, and a curious tradition connected to the parish church involving a death if the clock strikes during a specific part of the Sunday service. The article also recounts the folkloric story of Carne Beacon, a Bronze Age barrow believed to be the resting place of King Gerrenius.

Encounters with the Otherworld at Fogou Sites

This section presents three accounts of supernatural or 'other-worldly' experiences at fogou sites, particularly Carn Euny. The first account by Jackie Sutton describes a feeling of being watched and a telepathic encounter with a mother and child. The second, attributed to 'LJ', details a telepathic conversation with a spirit at Carn Euny beehive hut during a Samhain celebration. The third account by Martin Cleaver describes a group ritual at Carn Euny fogou where participants heard buzzing sounds and voices, with one person discerning an unrecognized language.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the deep history and mystical aspects of Cornwall. Recurring themes include the connection between landscape features (stone rows, hills, coasts) and ancient beliefs, the significance of water sources (holy wells) in local folklore and healing traditions, and the enduring mystery surrounding ancient structures like fogous, often accompanied by reports of unusual or supernatural phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into these ancient sites and their associated legends, encouraging readers to explore and form their own conclusions, while also providing historical context and referencing scholarly and folkloric sources. The magazine aims to document and share these aspects of Cornish heritage.

Meyn Mamvro, issue 98, Spring-Summer 2019, is a publication focused on Cornish folklore, archaeology, and earth mysteries. The magazine features articles exploring local legends, historical sites, and the cultural heritage of Cornwall.

Folklore and Legends

The issue begins with a piece on local legends and folklore. It mentions the Mermaid's Hole near Dingerein Castle, a subterranean passage rumored to connect the castle to the sea. Folklorist Margaret Courtney is quoted describing its discovery. The legend of Jan Tregeagle, a figure associated with storms and the cave below Penarrin Point, is also discussed. The hamlet of Bessy Beneath is mentioned, with oral tradition linking its name to a hanged witch or highwaywoman.

An interesting tale is recounted about the ancient crossing at King Harry Ferry, where King Hal is said to have crossed the river with his queen on his back, highlighting the river's depth. The old church at St. Anthony is noted, with a curse placed upon the site of the former priory of St. Mary-de-Vale after King Henry VIII's visit. The curse foretold the premature death of the new owner and his family, which reportedly came to pass.

Book Review: The Promontory People

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to a review of Craig Weatherhill's book, 'The Promontory People: an early history of the Cornish'. The review highlights the book's comprehensive approach, utilizing up-to-date archaeological, archaeo-linguistic, and genetic research to trace the history of the Cornish people from the earliest times to the Norman period. It emphasizes the genetic evidence suggesting that a large percentage of modern Cornish people carry the genetic code of arrivals from Atlantic Europe between 11,600 and 6,500 years ago. The review covers the book's exploration of the Neolithic, Bronze Age, Iron Age, Romano-Celtic, and early Christian and Medieval periods, discussing topics such as settled farming, megalith building, the significance of tin and copper, and the spread of the q-Celtic language. The book is praised for its factual and objective yet passionate portrayal of Cornish identity.

Archaeological and Earth Mystery Articles

The issue also revisits past articles, looking back "20 Years Ago" to an article in 'Cornish Archaeology 34' by Christopher Tilley titled "Rocks as resources: landscape and power." This article examined the relationships between archaeological sites, monuments, and landscape features on Bodmin Moor, particularly the tors, which were believed to be sacred places in Neolithic and Bronze Age times. The article discussed stone circles, stone rows, and cairns on Bodmin Moor, noting their alignment with tors and solar events. The review highlights how this archaeological perspective seemed to align with earth mysteries approaches.

Looking back "30 Years Ago," the magazine recalls articles from MM7 and MM8 concerning anomalous energies and quartz at ancient sites. Research using a Geiger Counter at the Merry Maidens stone circle showed lower radiation readings inside the circle. A reader's suggestion about the piezo-electric effect of quartz and synchrotrons is mentioned. The deliberate use of quartz by megalithic builders is discussed, with examples like Boscawen-ûn and Duloe stone circles. The controversy surrounding 'ley lines' from 30 years prior is also briefly touched upon.

An article titled "The Piper's Tune" by Jonathan Heron focuses on 'Solution Pools and Supernatural Rocks' on Bodmin Moor and West Penwith. It describes how these hollows form on granite outcrops through erosion and how quartz crystals accumulate at the bottom. The article suggests these formations, along with rock outcrops, were imbued with meaning and purpose by Neolithic cultures, serving as connections within their cultural fabric.

Publications and Resources

The magazine includes listings for other publications and resources. 'Cornish Archaeology no.55 (2016)' is mentioned as a recent volume from the Cornwall Archaeological Society, detailing various excavations and studies. 'Lien Gwerin no.3', a journal of Cornish folklore edited by Alex Langstone, is also highlighted, featuring articles on local myths and traditions. Penwith Press, an independent publisher specializing in earth mysteries and Cornish interest books, is featured, along with their new release by Craig Weatherhill on the place-names of the Land's End Peninsula.

Several other magazines and societies are listed under "Exchange Magazines" and "Noticeboard," including publications on Earth Mysteries, Ley Hunters, and Paganism, as well as various courses, events, and organizations related to these fields.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Meyn Mamvro are the rich tapestry of Cornish folklore, the deep history revealed through archaeology, and the interconnectedness of ancient sites with earth energies and spiritual beliefs. The editorial stance appears to be one that bridges the gap between academic archaeology and alternative earth mysteries, finding common ground in the interpretation of ancient landscapes and their significance to past peoples. The magazine actively promotes and reviews books, journals, and events that contribute to the understanding and appreciation of Cornwall's unique heritage.