In the charming county of Cornwall, nestled among rolling hills and windy cliffs, you’ll find some of England’s most intriguing historical relics: standing stones.
These ancient structures whisper tales from centuries ago, offering a glimpse into the lives of our ancestors. Stand among them and you’ll wonder: what did these stones mean to the people who erected them?
Lanyon Quoit is the most photographed of all the many in Cornwall. However this is the least authentic, as the original collapsed in storm back in 1815, so it’s kind of a new version! It’s though that too many kept digging underneath to find treasure, that possibly never existed!
Overview of Cornwall’s Standing Stones
Cornwall boasts a fascinating array of standing stones, often referred to as menhirs. These megalithic marvels are scattered across the region, each with its own story to tell. They date back to the Neolithic and Bronze Age, serving as markers of enduring human activity.
Standing stones are large, upright stones put in the ground by prehistoric peoples. They vary in size from humble markers to towering monoliths. Typically fashioned from granite or slate, their rugged surfaces bear the battle scars of the ages.
Though solitary stones stand sentinel over some landscapes, you’ll often find them in groups, forming circles or avenues.
In ancient times, these stones held deep cultural meaning. They were likely part of rituals, ceremonies, and gatherings. For Neolithic and Bronze Age people, these sites might have been centres of community life – places of worship, memory, and perhaps even pilgrimage.
Famous Standing Stones in Cornwall
The Cornish standing stones date from the Bronze Age, and again were likely to do with burial sites (they range from 5 to 15 feet). Perhaps the local red kites flying above these ancient stones (mostly found in the southwest) are the only ones who know exactly why they were built?
The Hurlers stone circle near Minions is a trio of circles steeped in myth. The name ‘Hurlers’ comes from a legend many Cornish folk tell: that these stones are petrified men, turned to rock for daring to play hurling on a Sunday. Today, these circles still captivate visitors with their mysterious alignment and rugged beauty.
Men-an-Tol is possibly one of Cornwall’s most photographed stones, thanks to its peculiar shape. With its iconic holed stone flanked by two upright stones, it’s shrouded in mystery.
Legends say the hole has healing properties, especially for ailments in children, if one passes through it. Archaeologists are still undecided about its original purpose, though theories range from ceremonial use to part of a burial chamber.
Hidden in a little valley, the Duloe Stone Circle is smaller but no less intriguing. These white quartzite stones glow in the Cornish sunlight, creating a magical atmosphere. Unlike other circles, Duloe’s elongated shape and the use of quartz make it’s stand out. Theories about its purpose abound, but its true use remains a mystery.
Archaeological Insights
Numerous digs have shed light on these ancient sites. Finds of pottery shards, tools, and even bones provide evidence of human activity surrounding the stones. These clues suggest these sites were more than mere boundary markers or navigational aids.
Standing stones likely had multiple purposes. Some theories propose they were religious sites for ceremonies or rituals. Others suggest they may have been used for astronomical observations, aligned to solar and lunar events.
Territorial markers or meeting points are also possibilities. Whatever their true purpose, one thing is clear: they held great significance.
