Marazion self catering apartments and camping from Wheal Rodney.

Cornish Archaeology

Cornwall has one of the most intensive prehistoric landscapes in Britain. And here in Penwith we have the highest concentration of ancient sites found in Western Europe. There are sites of great archaeological interest across the region, dating from the Neolithic (late stone age) through the Bronze age all the way up to Medieval times. Not to mention the historical interest in the later sites, particularly those relating to Cornwall's industrial heritage.

All of these sites are attractive to visitors, not just for what they can tell us of the past, but for the beauty and character of these monuments that is so very Cornish. All of these celtic sites are easily accessible from Wheal Rodney Holiday Park in Marazion.

Tregeseal

A stone circle of nineteen stones that have been restored over the years. Closely associated with this circle are two others near by, which are now completely lost. Tregeseal Circle has had an unfortunate history the circle has in the past been ‘butchered’ by quarrying leading to many of the stones falling.

In 1872 photographs taken of the circle show fifteen stones. It is difficult to assess how authentic the current heavily restored circle is of the original.

Many visitors to Tregeseal stone circle also visit the Tregeseal Holed Stones, which is only a short walk away.

Boscawen - Un

This circle is composed of 19 evenly arranged stones, but they do not form a true circle. The Boscawen - Un circle has elicited great a debate among archaeologists. One of the stones is different (white quartz). Unlike many circles there is a slanting stone close to its centre, a stone of 2.5 metres height. Both this central stone and the quartz stone may have had particular (and now unknown) significance. A break in the circle could be an entrance or just the result of a missing stone.

Boscawen Un Circle has a distinctive atmosphere commented on by many visitors. It is known to be an ancient Druid meeting place and was the site of the first Cornish Gorsedd. The circles nickname of the "nine maidens" is a misnomer. As it does not refer to the number of stones, but to the phases of the lunar cycle. The circle itself has been excavated in the past, but no finds were made. A Trevisker style urn was located very close to Boscawen - Un. This urn was dated roughly to between 1400 and 1000 BC.

Boskednan Circle

This stone circle has suffered heavily from time. In the eighteenth century records show that thirteen stones were still standing and a further six had fallen but left in situ. By 1872 only seven remained standing and four fallen stones at the site. Unfortunately, now there are a mere six standing, with two more badly leaning. The stones generally range from 1 to 1.5 metres in height, with one stone standing at over 2 metres.

Carn Euny

Situated on the south west slope at Caer Brane. This settlement was active during the Iron Age and Romano-British periods. Carn Euny was occupied for almost a thousand years from around 500 BC to AD 400. It is a highly prized archaeological site due to its well-preserved "souterrain" or "fogou" (an underground passage) which runs for 20m (65ft) to a corbelled inner chamber. The purpose of this fogue is unknown. However, it is well made, with large stone slabs forming the ceiling.

Men An Tol

The name Men a Tol is derived from the Cornish and means "stone of hole". The stone is circular and over 3 metres (12 foot) in circumference with a large hole at its centre. this hole is large enough for most people to crawl through. Aside from the main stone there are two standing stones. As with many ancient relics the function of this site is unknown. Though, as always, there are countless speculations and folk stories.

Currently it is being debated as to whether the three stones are a site in themselves or just a part of a larger structure. It has been suggested that the stones are a part of a collapsed burial chamber or far larger a stone circle.

Merry Maidens

The Merry Maidens is a beautifully preserved circle, as it has kept all of its stones (though three had to be re-erected). The stones are all approximately 1.25m (four foot) high and are equally spaced to form an almost perfect circle. One or two of the stones do not exactly fit the circle, but these have probably been moved since the originally construction. Like at the Boscawen Un circle a break in the circle could be an entrance or the result of a missing stone.

The Merry maidens are among the most famous sites in Cornwall and are a short drive from Penzance via the B3315. This is by far and away the most accessible stone circle in Penwith, with parking available and only a short walk from the road.

The maidens reputedly date from the British Bronze Age, and it is likely to have been used in Celtic pagan ceremonies. It is also one of the locations where the Cornish Gorsedd is held.