| A. H. Hawke Helston |
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Ancient Monuments |
Quoits or Cromlechs
This Cromlech is proberly one of the oldest in Cornwall dating from 5000 BC to 2000 BC. Much reconstructed and abused by treasure hunters and mineral prospectors, the capstone was recorded as becoming dislodged during a violent thunderstorm in the early 19th century, when one of the supporting stones was broken. The whole structure had already been weakened by soil removal during successive 'explorations'. The capstone was replaced in 1824, but a piece broke apparently broke off during reconstruction. The capstone was replaced upon repositioned uprights, buried to a deeper level for more stability. Prior to the reconstruction, it is said that a man on horseback could pass with ease beneath the capstone.
3646 Zennor Cromlech This quoit is the largest in the country with each of the seven stones each 3.3 metres (10ft) high. The capping stone is a massive 5.5 metres (18 ft) long. Some remains have been found in the chamber that indicate that it is of Stone Age construction, somewhere between 3200 and 2500 BC.The stones are said to have been erected by a giant hence the local name of the ‘Giant’s Quoit’, and also to be immovable, If the stones of the quoit are taken away they will come back by themselves.
3680 Mulfra Cromlech The Mulfra Quoit is partially collapsed and the capstone has slipped on the SE side. Only three uprights and the capstone survive. The height of the supporting stones is about 1.7m and the capstone is around 3.5 by 3 metres weighing approximately 5 tons.
1338 The Pipers Just over 400m to the NE are The Pipers, a pair of standing stones, These stones are not visible from the circle. The NE stone is the highest surviving stone in Cornwall at just over 5 metres (16.5 ft) but it is leaning. This is one of the pipers that played so that the merry maidens could dance. |
3670 Lanyon Cromlech
| © Brian Olivey 2012 |