Archaeologists Unearth Secrets of Cornwall’s Ancient Henge

Work has commenced on an archaeological project aimed at uncovering the mysteries of a prehistoric ritual site in Cornwall. Known as Castilly Henge, this site is often referred to by experts as the county’s “ancient sacred heart.” It is believed to have been constructed during the late Neolithic period, around 3,000 to 2,500 BCE. The project has received funding of more than £40,000 from the National Lottery, awarded to the Cornwall Heritage Trust (CHT) for the excavation of a concealed stone circle at the site’s centre.

Located near Bodmin just off the A30, Castilly Henge features a significant oval embankment. Experts suggest it may have served as an amphitheatre-like venue for gatherings and rituals. Its importance extended into the Early Bronze Age, approximately 2,400 to 1,500 BCE, when several high-status burial mounds, or barrows, were constructed nearby.

Previous investigations have proposed that the site might have also functioned as a medieval open-air theatre, known as a plen-an-gwari, and as fortified housing for cannons during the English Civil War. The current four-week excavation is a joint effort between the CHT, the Cornwall Archaeological Society, and Historic England. Project leaders aim to explore the monument’s rich history further.

In 2022, researchers uncovered potential remnants of a stone circle at the site, with only one other example known to exist in Cornwall. Carolyn Kennett, CHT’s site project manager, expressed enthusiasm, stating, “Neolithic henges are incredibly rare, so this is a really exciting moment.” She emphasized the importance of preserving the henge, which faces threats from invasive vegetation and nearby road infrastructure.

“Our goal is to fundraise to purchase this site and to open it up to the public,” Kennett added. So far, more than £10,000 of a planned total of £50,000 has been raised for this initiative.

Dr Olaf Bayer, senior archaeological investigator for Historic England, highlighted the profound connection the site offers to our ancestors. “To discover and hold in your own hands the very tools people of the past had used – it’s the kind of stuff that makes the hair stand up on the back of your neck,” he remarked.

This excavation not only aims to reveal the historical significance of Castilly Henge but also serves to engage the public in understanding and appreciating the heritage of Cornwall, ensuring that this ancient site is preserved for generations to come.