Archaeologists Uncover Secrets of Cornwall’s Ancient Henge

Archaeological work has commenced on a significant prehistoric site in Cornwall, England, known as Castilly Henge. This site, believed to date back to the late Neolithic period between 3,000 and 2,500 BCE, is considered a vital element of the region’s ancient history. Funded by over £40,000 from the National Lottery, the excavation seeks to uncover the mysteries surrounding this important ritual location.

Unveiling Ancient Rituals

Located near Bodmin, just off the A30, Castilly Henge is characterized by its substantial oval embankment. Experts believe it was once utilized as an amphitheatre-like setting for gatherings and rituals. The site continued to hold significance into the Early Bronze Age, approximately 2,400 to 1,500 BCE, when several high-status burial mounds, known as barrows, were constructed in its vicinity.

Previous studies have suggested that Castilly Henge may have also functioned as a medieval open-air theatre, called a plen-an-gwari, and served as fortified housing during the English Civil War. The current four-week excavation is a collaboration between the Cornwall Heritage Trust (CHT), the Cornwall Archaeological Society, and Historic England, aiming to explore the site’s backstory further.

In 2022, researchers uncovered potential traces of a long-lost stone circle at the site, with only one other similar example known to exist in Cornwall. Carolyn Kennett, site project manager for CHT, expressed enthusiasm for the excavation, stating, “Neolithic henges are incredibly rare, so this is a really exciting moment.” She emphasized the site’s vulnerability due to invasive vegetation and nearby road infrastructure, which pose risks to its preservation.

Funding and Future Aspirations

Looking ahead, CHT aims to secure additional funding to purchase and protect the site for future generations. “Our goal is to fundraise to purchase this site and to open it up to the public,” Kennett noted, mentioning that over £10,000 of the overall £50,000 target has already been raised.

Dr Olaf Bayer, a senior archaeological investigator for Historic England, highlighted the emotional connection this site offers. “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 uncover the physical remnants of the past but also seeks to foster a deeper appreciation for the lives and rituals of ancient peoples.

The excavation at Castilly Henge represents a unique opportunity to explore Cornwall’s prehistoric heritage and share its stories with a broader audience. As work progresses, the hope is to illuminate the significance of this remarkable site and ensure its preservation for future exploration and education.