Stone Circle Photographs http://stone-circles.fotopic.net/ 22 rows en-gb 60 /+\ Hertford Castle /+\ http://stone-circles.fotopic.net/c1769722.html Hertford Castle was built on a site by Edward the Elder around 911, at the time of the Norman Invasion in 1066. William the Conqueror granted the castle to the Sheriff of Hertfordshire and Essex. King John, Henry III and Edward I were residents and it also housed a minority of political prisoners - The Knights Templars in 1309. The Hundred Years war also saw prisoners of royal and noble rank in residence, passing through the Plantagenet and Tudor periods. Henry VII spent little time at the castle but Henry VIII spent considerable sums turning the castle into a palace, building the gatehouse which still stands. His daughter, Elizabeth I was a frequent visitor to Hertford. Since the reign of James I the castle ceased to be a royal residence and it fell into disrepair and after Charles I came to the throne the castle was granted to William Cecil, 2nd Earl of Salisbury. Much of the castle was now in ruins having not having been used since Tudor times. Between 1805 and 1809 the castle became a college and the home of East India Company College. In 1911 the Hertford Corporation leased the gatehouse of the castle (which was all that then remained) from the Earl of Salisbury to house its administration. A more recent discovery is that it is gently rumored that the castle could be home to the Holy Grail and hidden within the labyrinth of tunnels, built by the Knights Templars which lie beneath Hertford, most of which are blocked, but still fascinating to know of Hertford’s ancient history. (No parking at the castle, park in St Andrew Street Car Park or Gascoyne Way (A414). Both within easy walking distance.) Sunday 18 October 2009: Hertford Castle was built on a site by Edward the Elder around 911, at the time of the Norman Invasion in 1066. William the Conqueror granted the castle to the Sheriff of Hertfordshire and Essex. King John, Henry III and Edward I were residents and it also housed a minority of political prisoners - The Knights Templars in 1309. The Hundred Years war also saw prisoners of royal and noble rank in residence, passing through the Plantagenet and Tudor periods. Henry VII spent little time at the castle but Henry VIII spent considerable sums turning the castle into a palace, building the gatehouse which still stands. His daughter, Elizabeth I was a frequent visitor to Hertford. Since the reign of James I the castle ceased to be a royal residence and it fell into disrepair and after Charles I came to the throne the castle was granted to William Cecil, 2nd Earl of Salisbury. Much of the castle was now in ruins having not having been used since Tudor times. Between 1805 and 1809 the castle became a college and the home of East India Company College. In 1911 the Hertford Corporation leased the gatehouse of the castle (which was all that then remained) from the Earl of Salisbury to house its administration. A more recent discovery is that it is gently rumored that the castle could be home to the Holy Grail and hidden within the labyrinth of tunnels, built by the Knights Templars which lie beneath Hertford, most of which are blocked, but still fascinating to know of Hertford_s ancient history. (No parking at the castle, park in St Andrew Street Car Park or Gascoyne Way (A414). Both within easy walking distance.)

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]]> Sun Oct 18 2009 |^/"\^| Chenies Manor House |^/"\^| http://stone-circles.fotopic.net/c1766091.html Chenies Manor House & St. Michaels Church Location: WD3 6ER Chenies Village, formerly as Isenhampstead, took its name from the Cheyne family who were at that time in residence, having been granted manorial rights in 1180. The majority of today’s structure having been built in 1460. Henry VIII and his Queen at the time, Katherine Howard and Queen Elizabeth I have also been in residence here. John Russell, the 1st Earl of Bedford did some major extensions, having gained possession of the house via marriage and in 1427 the 3rd Earl of Bedford moved the family home to Woburn Abbey, leaving Chenies to be occupied by relatives. The house remained in Russell family possession until the 1950s until it was purchased by the present owners, the MacLeod-Matthews family. It is a beautiful and historically interesting house with wonderful gardens, which is still ongoing restoration work and definitely worth a visit. The first Church on this site, dedicated to St. Michael, was built of wood and was possibly built by Alexander de Isenhampstead in the 12th century and later replace by the one here today in stone and flint by probably Sir David Phelip (elsewhere spelt Phillips), husband of Dame Agnes Cheyne. In his will he left four pounds “To fynyshe my building of the Parish Church of Chenies”. Thursday 8 October 2009: Chenies Manor House & St. Michaels Church Location: WD3 6ER Chenies Village, formerly as Isenhampstead, took its name from the Cheyne family who were at that time in residence, having been granted manorial rights in 1180. The majority of today_s structure having been built in 1460. Henry VIII and his Queen at the time, Katherine Howard and Queen Elizabeth I have also been in residence here. John Russell, the 1st Earl of Bedford did some major extensions, having gained possession of the house via marriage and in 1427 the 3rd Earl of Bedford moved the family home to Woburn Abbey, leaving Chenies to be occupied by relatives. The house remained in Russell family possession until the 1950s until it was purchased by the present owners, the MacLeod-Matthews family. It is a beautiful and historically interesting house with wonderful gardens, which is still ongoing restoration work and definitely worth a visit. The first Church on this site, dedicated to St. Michael, was built of wood and was possibly built by Alexander de Isenhampstead in the 12th century and later replace by the one here today in stone and flint by probably Sir David Phelip (elsewhere spelt Phillips), husband of Dame Agnes Cheyne. In his will he left four pounds _To fynyshe my building of the Parish Church of Chenies_.

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]]> Thu Oct 8 2009 .•:*|^|*:•. Scott's Grotto .•:*|^|*:•. http://stone-circles.fotopic.net/c1755326.html Scotts Grotto – Location: Scotts Road, Ware SG12 9JQ /TL357138. John Scott, an 18th century poet, moved to Hertfordshire in 1740 to find cleaner air and inherited Amwell House and grounds when his father died in 1768. Building grottos was very much the fashion so when he was rebuilding the house he decided to build his own. The building is constructed of interconnecting chambers and took some 30 years to complete with all its glorious adornments of shells and flints and Hertfordshire Puddingstone! It is well maintained by the Ware Society who do a fantastic job. Luckily, the sun shone on the grotto the day I visited and gave it somewhat an ethereal appearance! Saturday 12 September 2009: Scotts Grotto _ Location: Scotts Road, Ware SG12 9JQ /TL357138. John Scott, an 18th century poet, moved to Hertfordshire in 1740 to find cleaner air and inherited Amwell House and grounds when his father died in 1768. Building grottos was very much the fashion so when he was rebuilding the house he decided to build his own. The building is constructed of interconnecting chambers and took some 30 years to complete with all its glorious adornments of shells and flints and Hertfordshire Puddingstone! It is well maintained by the Ware Society who do a fantastic job. Luckily, the sun shone on the grotto the day I visited and gave it somewhat an ethereal appearance!

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]]> Sat Sep 12 2009 /\^/\ Hellfire Caves /\^/\ http://stone-circles.fotopic.net/c1748165.html Church Of St Lawrence & Golden Ball: The lovely 18th century Church of St. Lawrence, with its golden ball (which seats 10 people) on top of its medieval tower, is a well-known and can be seen for many miles. The climb to the tower is well worth it and the view is fantastic. Nearby is the Dashwood family Mausoleum which was built in 1765, which was built in a hexagonal shape of Portland stone and flint. Hellfire Caves – Location: HP14 3AH. These unique caves of ancient origin were extended in the 1740’s by Sir Francis Dashwood, founder of the Hellfire Club. The aim was to provide an addition to his landscaped gardens. Sir Francis took his inspiration as he was well-travelled and set out to do what no-one at the time was building, especially underground. Expanding a ¼ mile underground, ending up some several hundred feet below the church in the Inner Temple, and considering they were dug by hand it truly is a mark of engineering. On his return from his travels Sir Francis established the famous Hell-fire Club which held chapter meetings here and whose members consisted of aristocrats and statesmen. Sir Francis later became Chancellor of the Exchequer. Sunday 30 August 2009: Church Of St Lawrence & Golden Ball: The lovely 18th century Church of St. Lawrence, with its golden ball (which seats 10 people) on top of its medieval tower, is a well-known and can be seen for many miles. The climb to the tower is well worth it and the view is fantastic. Nearby is the Dashwood family Mausoleum which was built in 1765, which was built in a hexagonal shape of Portland stone and flint. Hellfire Caves _ Location: HP14 3AH. These unique caves of ancient origin were extended in the 1740_s by Sir Francis Dashwood, founder of the Hellfire Club. The aim was to provide an addition to his landscaped gardens. Sir Francis took his inspiration as he was well-travelled and set out to do what no-one at the time was building, especially underground. Expanding a _ mile underground, ending up some several hundred feet below the church in the Inner Temple, and considering they were dug by hand it truly is a mark of engineering. On his return from his travels Sir Francis established the famous Hell-fire Club which held chapter meetings here and whose members consisted of aristocrats and statesmen. Sir Francis later became Chancellor of the Exchequer.

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]]> Sun Aug 30 2009 =O= Chiltern Open Air Museum =O= http://stone-circles.fotopic.net/c1748152.html Location: Chalfont St. Giles HP8 4AB A collection of building of yesteryear of which the museum rescues, re-builds and preserves this lovely part of the Chilterns, some 45 acres - otherwise these would be lost. It hosts excellent events and of particular interest was the Hungerford Household! Saturday 8 August 2009: Location: Chalfont St. Giles HP8 4AB A collection of building of yesteryear of which the museum rescues, re-builds and preserves this lovely part of the Chilterns, some 45 acres - otherwise these would be lost. It hosts excellent events and of particular interest was the Hungerford Household!

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]]> Sat Aug 8 2009 <- ) Willington Dovecote & Elstow ( -> http://stone-circles.fotopic.net/c1731702.html Willington Dovecote & Stables Location: TL107 499 MK443QG The lovely village of Willington is mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086 when it is called Welitone and possibly derives from Old English welig-tun > willow farm. The Dovecote, completed around 1543 was commissioned by Sir John Gostwick, Earl of Gostwick, who served as Cardinal Wolsey's Master of Horse and controller of the household. Later he became Henry VIII’s Treasurer General of the First Fruits and Tenths. The Dovecote, being the largest one around and a symbol for Sir John, was made from the remains of a large Tudor Complex and is thought to include stones from Newnham Priory, after the Dissolution of the Monasteries. It has room for over 1500 pigeons to nest in spacious nest boxes. The ornate stepped gables are of interest as are the gargoyles on the stables opposite. Henry VIII held a privy council meeting here in Willington in 1541. The Stables, thought to be a lodging house for extra guests dates to around 1539-1540. The fireplace upstairs has an alleged signature by Pilgrim's Progress author, John Bunyan. The ancient medieval church of the St. Lawrence, which was repaired by Sir John, sits just behind the Stables and is worth a visit for its architecture alone and for a cup of tea and home made cake! Thank you for everyone for making us welcome! Elstow Moot Hall Location TL052465 MK429XT Elstow Moot Hall stands on the village green and was built in the 15th century as a market-house and later extended in the late 15th century. The village green was home to a variety of annual fairs and Moot Hall was used for storage of the stalls and other items. Later archeological information has emerged that they were actual shops. The upper level of this Tudor timber-framed building was probably originally used as the Abbess' court and was certainly used after the dissolution as a manor court and any dispute arising from the Fairs would also be heard and settled here. Throughout much of the 19th century, the upper room was used every Sunday both as a school and in the evenings by the Elstow congregation of the Bunyan Meeting as a place of worship. After 1950 it became a museum which illustrates 17th century life with reference to John Bunyan. Sunday 26 July 2009: Willington Dovecote & Stables Location: TL107 499 MK443QG The lovely village of Willington is mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086 when it is called Welitone and possibly derives from Old English welig-tun > willow farm. The Dovecote, completed around 1543 was commissioned by Sir John Gostwick, Earl of Gostwick, who served as Cardinal Wolsey's Master of Horse and controller of the household. Later he became Henry VIII_s Treasurer General of the First Fruits and Tenths. The Dovecote, being the largest one around and a symbol for Sir John, was made from the remains of a large Tudor Complex and is thought to include stones from Newnham Priory, after the Dissolution of the Monasteries. It has room for over 1500 pigeons to nest in spacious nest boxes. The ornate stepped gables are of interest as are the gargoyles on the stables opposite. Henry VIII held a privy council meeting here in Willington in 1541. The Stables, thought to be a lodging house for extra guests dates to around 1539-1540. The fireplace upstairs has an alleged signature by Pilgrim's Progress author, John Bunyan. The ancient medieval church of the St. Lawrence, which was repaired by Sir John, sits just behind the Stables and is worth a visit for its architecture alone and for a cup of tea and home made cake! Thank you for everyone for making us welcome! Elstow Moot Hall Location TL052465 MK429XT Elstow Moot Hall stands on the village green and was built in the 15th century as a market-house and later extended in the late 15th century. The village green was home to a variety of annual fairs and Moot Hall was used for storage of the stalls and other items. Later archeological information has emerged that they were actual shops. The upper level of this Tudor timber-framed building was probably originally used as the Abbess' court and was certainly used after the dissolution as a manor court and any dispute arising from the Fairs would also be heard and settled here. Throughout much of the 19th century, the upper room was used every Sunday both as a school and in the evenings by the Elstow congregation of the Bunyan Meeting as a place of worship. After 1950 it became a museum which illustrates 17th century life with reference to John Bunyan.

Elstow Moot Hall Elstow Moot Hall Elstow Moot Hall Elstow Moot Hall Elstow Moot Hall Elstow Moot Hall Elstow Moot Hall Elstow Moot Hall Elstow Village Elstow Village Willington Dovecote Willington Dovecote Willington Dovecote Willington Dovecote Willington Dovecote Willington Dovecote Willington Dovecote Willington Dovecote Willington Dovecote Willington Dovecote Willington Stables Willington Stables Willington Stables John Bunyan's Willington Stables Willington Stables Willington Stables Willington Stables Willington Stables Willington Stables Willington Stables Willington Stables Willington Stables Willington Stables Willington Stables Willington Stables Willington Stables Willington Stables Willington Stables Willington Stables Willington Stables Willington Stables Willington Stables Willington Stables Church of St. Lawrence Church of St. Lawrence Church of St. Lawrence Church of St. Lawrence Willington Dovecote Church of St. Lawrence

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]]> Sun Jul 26 2009 .../-\... Rock Theatre .../-\... http://stone-circles.fotopic.net/c1693731.html Minack (in Cornish a rocky place) is the story of how a local village play in 1929 led to the theatre that is here today. It is a remarkable story of the magnificent Rowena Cade and from 1931 until she died in 1983 the Minack Theatre was planned, built and financed by one determined woman who laboured as an apprentice to the builders Billy & Charles! Rowena also built the House of Stone which is in Porthcurno Beach, sadly it is concreted over but hopefully one day it will be open to be viewed and enjoyed by all. It is easy to find in Porthcurno and is located near to the Telegraph Museum. Monday 27 April 2009: Minack (in Cornish a rocky place) is the story of how a local village play in 1929 led to the theatre that is here today. It is a remarkable story of the magnificent Rowena Cade and from 1931 until she died in 1983 the Minack Theatre was planned, built and financed by one determined woman who laboured as an apprentice to the builders Billy & Charles! Rowena also built the House of Stone which is in Porthcurno Beach, sadly it is concreted over but hopefully one day it will be open to be viewed and enjoyed by all. It is easy to find in Porthcurno and is located near to the Telegraph Museum.

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]]> Mon Apr 27 2009 |/^\| House & Fogou |/^\| http://stone-circles.fotopic.net/c1693726.html Carn Euny – SW403288 Latitude 50.103236 Longitude -5.634533. House and Fogou – nearest village Sancreed. From Penzance site4 is signposted by DoE from A30 at Lower Drift. When you reach Drift take a right marked Sancreed, before you reach Sancreed head up a narrow lane. The car park is just beyond Brane Farm. Then walk past the old vehicles heading towards the field and it is just beyond that. It is possibly Neolithic. The first huts were made of timber around 200BCbut by the first century before Christ; these had been replaced by the stone ones that we see today. The Fogou is very impressive, 65 feet long. The site was abandoned in the Roman period; use varies from storage to ritual. Tuesday 28 April 2009: Carn Euny _ SW403288 Latitude 50.103236 Longitude -5.634533. House and Fogou _ nearest village Sancreed. From Penzance site4 is signposted by DoE from A30 at Lower Drift. When you reach Drift take a right marked Sancreed, before you reach Sancreed head up a narrow lane. The car park is just beyond Brane Farm. Then walk past the old vehicles heading towards the field and it is just beyond that. It is possibly Neolithic. The first huts were made of timber around 200BCbut by the first century before Christ; these had been replaced by the stone ones that we see today. The Fogou is very impressive, 65 feet long. The site was abandoned in the Roman period; use varies from storage to ritual.

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]]> Tue Apr 28 2009 .•:^:•. Cairns .•:^:•. http://stone-circles.fotopic.net/c1693722.html Carn Gluze/Ballowall Barrow - Chambered Cairn - nearest Town is Newlyn SW355313, Latitude: 50° 7' 19.48" N, Longitude: 5° 42' 3.13" W. Head towards St. Just and follow the 'Cape Cornwall' road past 'Cape Cornwall School'. After the houses finish on left there is a lane which leads to NT Land, you will see the mine chimney and will not fail to spot the barrow. It is Bronze Age and was excavated in 1878 by William Borlase. It measures 72 feet. It is unique in construction as it has a combination of Neolithic and Bronze Age. Sunday 26 April 2009: Carn Gluze/Ballowall Barrow - Chambered Cairn - nearest Town is Newlyn SW355313, Latitude: 50_ 7' 19.48" N, Longitude: 5_ 42' 3.13" W. Head towards St. Just and follow the 'Cape Cornwall' road past 'Cape Cornwall School'. After the houses finish on left there is a lane which leads to NT Land, you will see the mine chimney and will not fail to spot the barrow. It is Bronze Age and was excavated in 1878 by William Borlase. It measures 72 feet. It is unique in construction as it has a combination of Neolithic and Bronze Age.

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]]> Sun Apr 26 2009 .•:¨*|* Ampthill Great Park *|*¨:•. http://stone-circles.fotopic.net/c1681561.html Ampthill was granted royal honour by Henry VIII in 1542 and lies on the Greensand Ridge in stunning countryside. Henry was a frequent visitor to Ampthill Castle and often hunted in the park, which despite its name was actually a palace/manor house and not a traditional castle. Katherine of Aragon lived there from 1532 until divorced in 1533, when she was moved to Buckden. The castle was built in the 15th century by Sir John Cornwall, later Lord Fanhope, from ransoms after Agincourt. After the divorce Henry returned with his second wife, Anne Boleyn to “expand” the park in a new lodge, whilst the castle fell to ruins. On the site of the castle there is a cross erected by Lord Ossory in 1770, with an inscription by Horace Walpole on its base, bearing a shield with the arms of Katherine of Aragon. It is located off of Woburn Street the B530 (TL025385). There is plenty of parking and is a short walk from the west car park and the Ampthill Camp Memorial Cross is also on the ridge. Each year Ampthill hosts its Aragon Day Festival, which was launched in 2003 to mark the 470th anniversary of Queen Katherine of Aragon leaving Ampthill 'castle' after learning that her marriage to Henry VIII was annulled. This year it is being held on July 25th. Monday 13 April 2009: Ampthill was granted royal honour by Henry VIII in 1542 and lies on the Greensand Ridge in stunning countryside. Henry was a frequent visitor to Ampthill Castle and often hunted in the park, which despite its name was actually a palace/manor house and not a traditional castle. Katherine of Aragon lived there from 1532 until divorced in 1533, when she was moved to Buckden. The castle was built in the 15th century by Sir John Cornwall, later Lord Fanhope, from ransoms after Agincourt. After the divorce Henry returned with his second wife, Anne Boleyn to _expand_ the park in a new lodge, whilst the castle fell to ruins. On the site of the castle there is a cross erected by Lord Ossory in 1770, with an inscription by Horace Walpole on its base, bearing a shield with the arms of Katherine of Aragon. It is located off of Woburn Street the B530 (TL025385). There is plenty of parking and is a short walk from the west car park and the Ampthill Camp Memorial Cross is also on the ridge. Each year Ampthill hosts its Aragon Day Festival, which was launched in 2003 to mark the 470th anniversary of Queen Katherine of Aragon leaving Ampthill 'castle' after learning that her marriage to Henry VIII was annulled. This year it is being held on July 25th.

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]]> Mon Apr 13 2009 |^/"\^| Hampton Court |^/"\^| http://stone-circles.fotopic.net/c1581449.html Hampton Court began life as a large barn belonging to the Knights Hospitaliers of St. John of Jerusalem, founded in the 11th century. Later it was later rented out to the next Tenant - Thomas Wolsey who added the palace complex along with beautiful interiors. Henry transformed Hampton Court and by 1540 had spent 62000, it being his favourite residence. Other suites and lodgings were added over the years but when William III and Queen Mary II ascended the throne they requested Christopher Wren to rebuild the Palace preferring Hampton Court to Whitehall Palace. Work began in 1689 and outstripped Henry's former spendings of 62k to £113,000 but work stopped in 1694 when Queen Mary died. William died in 1702 not having long to enjoy his baroque palace. The last rooms were built by the Hanoverians; George II finally saw the completion of the last rooms at Hampton Court and the Queen's staircase in 1732. 1737 marked the final year of the royal family using the entire palace. Queen Victoria in 1838 insisted that the palace should be open to all subjects not just the ones of appropriate social standing who for a fee could tour the palace and everyone was invited! Exhibitions were introduced to tell the palace's story later in the 20th century but disaster struck in 1986 via a fire. The repair work was completed in 1995 and rebuilt true to the originals of King William III Apartments, furniture was returned to the rooms after being removed in the 18th century. Later work included the "routes" through the palace aided by much needed maps for us visitors! Saturday 23 August 2008: Hampton Court began life as a large barn belonging to the Knights Hospitaliers of St. John of Jerusalem, founded in the 11th century. Later it was later rented out to the next Tenant - Thomas Wolsey who added the palace complex along with beautiful interiors. Henry transformed Hampton Court and by 1540 had spent 62000, it being his favourite residence. Other suites and lodgings were added over the years but when William III and Queen Mary II ascended the throne they requested Christopher Wren to rebuild the Palace preferring Hampton Court to Whitehall Palace. Work began in 1689 and outstripped Henry's former spendings of 62k to _113,000 but work stopped in 1694 when Queen Mary died. William died in 1702 not having long to enjoy his baroque palace. The last rooms were built by the Hanoverians; George II finally saw the completion of the last rooms at Hampton Court and the Queen's staircase in 1732. 1737 marked the final year of the royal family using the entire palace. Queen Victoria in 1838 insisted that the palace should be open to all subjects not just the ones of appropriate social standing who for a fee could tour the palace and everyone was invited! Exhibitions were introduced to tell the palace's story later in the 20th century but disaster struck in 1986 via a fire. The repair work was completed in 1995 and rebuilt true to the originals of King William III Apartments, furniture was returned to the rooms after being removed in the 18th century. Later work included the "routes" through the palace aided by much needed maps for us visitors!

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]]> Sat Aug 23 2008 |^/"\^| Knebworth House |^/"\^| http://stone-circles.fotopic.net/c1581447.html Knebworth House - location: Junction 7 of the A1M. Steeped in gothic grandeur what a fantastic place to have rock concerts! Shame I was too young to see Led Zeppelin but they had this marvellous exhibition of LZ memorabilia on in the library! Primarily the ancestral home of the Lytton family, it was purchased in 1490 by Sir Robert Lytton for £800! It is set in wonderful grounds and the interior takes you on a trip through the styles of the ages. Yet it is very atmospheric with its gargoyles and turrets and we all enjoyed the jousting in Lord Lytton's "back garden" The house has a fascinating vintage and stories abound of its many colourful visitors over the years! Sunday 31 August 2008: Knebworth House - location: Junction 7 of the A1M. Steeped in gothic grandeur what a fantastic place to have rock concerts! Shame I was too young to see Led Zeppelin but they had this marvellous exhibition of LZ memorabilia on in the library! Primarily the ancestral home of the Lytton family, it was purchased in 1490 by Sir Robert Lytton for _800! It is set in wonderful grounds and the interior takes you on a trip through the styles of the ages. Yet it is very atmospheric with its gargoyles and turrets and we all enjoyed the jousting in Lord Lytton's "back garden" The house has a fascinating vintage and stories abound of its many colourful visitors over the years!

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]]> Sun Aug 31 2008 .•:*¨¨*:•. Avebury Complex .•:*¨¨*:•. http://stone-circles.fotopic.net/c1557290.html AVEBURY needs no introduction and the Avebury complex is a truly magical place. It is said to date from 3700BC when work on West Kennet Long Barrow was begun. The stone circle and surrounding henge that you see in the village is only a small part of the monument which remains today, the rest was unfortunately eradicated in past centuries. The two inner circles were completed first at around 2600BC, the outer ring and henge around 2500BC. Originally there were about 100 of these stones only 27 of which remain. Highlights of Avebury are the Diamond Stone and the Devils Chair both of which have attracted folklore to them, don’t miss the Sphinx Stone and the carving of the Anti-Serpent Bishop on the church font! The Sanctuary is also well signed-posted just up the road from Avebury, sadly time wasn't on my side and I had to save that till next time, however my watch "lost"15 minutes somewhere in Avebury and gained it back afterwards. Odd but not odd! Plan to do some dowsing next time due to Avebury's alignment on the St. Michael and Mary Lines. It is an awe-inspiring place and can be appreciated further by the reading of "The Sun and the Serpent." SILBURY HILL is the biggest man made mound in Europe, being some 130 feet high and 100 feet across its flat top surface. It was built around 2500BC with some of the chalk from the great henge at Avebury! It is built in a lattice structure of in-filled chalk walls and has been excavated on numerous occasions. Luckily back in 2000 I was able to gain access and climb to the top where the view is stunning across this very important landscape. The elevatation enabled me to focus and visualise how this landscape looked back then. King Sil is rumoured to be buried in it but I'm not sure about the golden horse. Like West Kennet Long Barrow, Silbury is also part of the Avebury Complex and is well signposted and you can't really miss it on the A4, also plenty of parking! Map Reference: SU100685 WEST KENNET LONG BARROW is part of the Avebury complex of Neolithic sites. It is one of the most impressive and well-preserved burial chambers in Britain and is well-signposted - Map Reference SU10577 on the A4! The burial chamber is only a small part of the mound and stretches 100 metres in an East-West orientation. The chamber extends 10 metres into the mound and consists of five separate chambers - two on either side of a narrow passage, which then opens up into a further chamber at the end. It thought to be constructed around 3500BC and was in use for a thousand years, until 2200BC, when the tomb was sealed with chalk rubble, and the gigantic Saracen boulders that now guard the entrance. This was at the same time as the great stone circle at Avebury was begun, and may signify a change in the focus of belief and religion. Sunday 20 July 2008: AVEBURY needs no introduction and the Avebury complex is a truly magical place. It is said to date from 3700BC when work on West Kennet Long Barrow was begun. The stone circle and surrounding henge that you see in the village is only a small part of the monument which remains today, the rest was unfortunately eradicated in past centuries. The two inner circles were completed first at around 2600BC, the outer ring and henge around 2500BC. Originally there were about 100 of these stones only 27 of which remain. Highlights of Avebury are the Diamond Stone and the Devils Chair both of which have attracted folklore to them, don_t miss the Sphinx Stone and the carving of the Anti-Serpent Bishop on the church font! The Sanctuary is also well signed-posted just up the road from Avebury, sadly time wasn't on my side and I had to save that till next time, however my watch "lost"15 minutes somewhere in Avebury and gained it back afterwards. Odd but not odd! Plan to do some dowsing next time due to Avebury's alignment on the St. Michael and Mary Lines. It is an awe-inspiring place and can be appreciated further by the reading of "The Sun and the Serpent." SILBURY HILL is the biggest man made mound in Europe, being some 130 feet high and 100 feet across its flat top surface. It was built around 2500BC with some of the chalk from the great henge at Avebury! It is built in a lattice structure of in-filled chalk walls and has been excavated on numerous occasions. Luckily back in 2000 I was able to gain access and climb to the top where the view is stunning across this very important landscape. The elevatation enabled me to focus and visualise how this landscape looked back then. King Sil is rumoured to be buried in it but I'm not sure about the golden horse. Like West Kennet Long Barrow, Silbury is also part of the Avebury Complex and is well signposted and you can't really miss it on the A4, also plenty of parking! Map Reference: SU100685 WEST KENNET LONG BARROW is part of the Avebury complex of Neolithic sites. It is one of the most impressive and well-preserved burial chambers in Britain and is well-signposted - Map Reference SU10577 on the A4! The burial chamber is only a small part of the mound and stretches 100 metres in an East-West orientation. The chamber extends 10 metres into the mound and consists of five separate chambers - two on either side of a narrow passage, which then opens up into a further chamber at the end. It thought to be constructed around 3500BC and was in use for a thousand years, until 2200BC, when the tomb was sealed with chalk rubble, and the gigantic Saracen boulders that now guard the entrance. This was at the same time as the great stone circle at Avebury was begun, and may signify a change in the focus of belief and religion.

Silbury Hill 14/05/2000 @ the top! Avebury 14/05/2000Avebury 14/05/2000 Avebury 14/05/2000 Avebury 14/05/2000 Avebury 14/05/2000

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]]> Sun Jul 20 2008 |^/"\^| Littlecote House |^/"\^| http://stone-circles.fotopic.net/c1556664.html LITTLECOTE HOUSE is a beautiful atmospheric medieval manor house in Hungerford and dates back to the building of the medieval house in 1290. The Darrell family added to it with the Tudor mansion in the mid 16th century. Henry VIII courted Jane Seymour at the house and they married in nearby Wulf Hall in 1536 on the day after the execution of Anne Boleyn; Jane's Grandmother being Elizabeth Darrell. Sir John Popham added the Elizabethan Mansion in 1589 and it remained in the family until 1929 when it was purchased by the Wills family. In 1985 it was purchased by the entrepreneur Peter de Savary and in 1996 Warner’s Holidays acquired it and now operate it as a country house hotel. I just got totally lost in time but I was very impressed that the Warner's Buildings are very "in keeping" with the house. There is so much history to the house that I had to go on the house tour to find out more. As it is fairly local to Avebury, West Kennet and Silbury and others and you can really get onto the "old Straight Track" mode! On Sunday there was 2 hours of jousting behind the house and after that take a trundle to the Orpheus Roman Mosaic! It just goes to show how the sacred landscape can interpret time when usually on a Monday you are sat there thinking "where did the weekend go?" ORPHEUS MOSAIC at the Littlecote Roman Villa is a Roman winged corridor villa and associated religious complex at Littlecote Park. Farming huts were said to be constructed around AD70 and a Roman-style rectangular building fifty years later. The construction underwent a major rebuilding around AD 270. Around AD 360 the agricultural activity ended and the complex took a religious path. A large barn was converted into a courtyard and a very early Triconch hall was built alongside it was adjoing bath suite. On the floor was laid the now famous Orpheus mosaic, first discovered in 1727 by the steward of the Littlecote Park estate. The Orpheus mosaic not just containing Orpheus but Bacchus and Apollo – the hall being the pagan focus point of these two gods. Surrounding buildings were redeveloped for accommodation for the travelling pilgrims. The development is said to be associated with the pagan revival under Julian the Apostate 361-363. Many of the buildings fell into a derelict state at about AD 400, shortly after the Theodosian legislation against paganism. THE KNIGHTS OF MERRIE ENGLAND! Briefly...... a martial competition between two horsemen who charged at each other with levelled lances in sets of three per weapon (lance to begin with) often as part of a tournament. In an attempt to unseat the other, when it extended to the battle axe and dagger or sword for prize money. Originating from France, it came to Europe in the 12th – 15th century. If you examine a lance you will see that is blunted but however many Knights lost their lives in Tournaments, such as Henry II of France. At the tournament that was attended by nobility ladies of the court would sponsor individual knights (Favours!) for whom jousting become a ritual of courtly love! As the colours of the pageantry is so beautiful and lively jousting represented chivalry, adorned with colourful flags waving in the wind. In the Middle Ages the sport was referred as "hastiludes". The first recorded tournament was in 1066 but was not popular until the 13th century and continued to be so until the 17th century. Today we are lucky to have such organisations that appear on a regular basis at Littlecote House ~ Geoff and Val Winships Merry England get the thumbs up from this “peasant”! Map Location: RG170SU Friday 18 July 2008: LITTLECOTE HOUSE is a beautiful atmospheric medieval manor house in Hungerford and dates back to the building of the medieval house in 1290. The Darrell family added to it with the Tudor mansion in the mid 16th century. Henry VIII courted Jane Seymour at the house and they married in nearby Wulf Hall in 1536 on the day after the execution of Anne Boleyn; Jane's Grandmother being Elizabeth Darrell. Sir John Popham added the Elizabethan Mansion in 1589 and it remained in the family until 1929 when it was purchased by the Wills family. In 1985 it was purchased by the entrepreneur Peter de Savary and in 1996 Warner_s Holidays acquired it and now operate it as a country house hotel. I just got totally lost in time but I was very impressed that the Warner's Buildings are very "in keeping" with the house. There is so much history to the house that I had to go on the house tour to find out more. As it is fairly local to Avebury, West Kennet and Silbury and others and you can really get onto the "old Straight Track" mode! On Sunday there was 2 hours of jousting behind the house and after that take a trundle to the Orpheus Roman Mosaic! It just goes to show how the sacred landscape can interpret time when usually on a Monday you are sat there thinking "where did the weekend go?" ORPHEUS MOSAIC at the Littlecote Roman Villa is a Roman winged corridor villa and associated religious complex at Littlecote Park. Farming huts were said to be constructed around AD70 and a Roman-style rectangular building fifty years later. The construction underwent a major rebuilding around AD 270. Around AD 360 the agricultural activity ended and the complex took a religious path. A large barn was converted into a courtyard and a very early Triconch hall was built alongside it was adjoing bath suite. On the floor was laid the now famous Orpheus mosaic, first discovered in 1727 by the steward of the Littlecote Park estate. The Orpheus mosaic not just containing Orpheus but Bacchus and Apollo _ the hall being the pagan focus point of these two gods. Surrounding buildings were redeveloped for accommodation for the travelling pilgrims. The development is said to be associated with the pagan revival under Julian the Apostate 361-363. Many of the buildings fell into a derelict state at about AD 400, shortly after the Theodosian legislation against paganism. THE KNIGHTS OF MERRIE ENGLAND! Briefly...... a martial competition between two horsemen who charged at each other with levelled lances in sets of three per weapon (lance to begin with) often as part of a tournament. In an attempt to unseat the other, when it extended to the battle axe and dagger or sword for prize money. Originating from France, it came to Europe in the 12th _ 15th century. If you examine a lance you will see that is blunted but however many Knights lost their lives in Tournaments, such as Henry II of France. At the tournament that was attended by nobility ladies of the court would sponsor individual knights (Favours!) for whom jousting become a ritual of courtly love! As the colours of the pageantry is so beautiful and lively jousting represented chivalry, adorned with colourful flags waving in the wind. In the Middle Ages the sport was referred as "hastiludes". The first recorded tournament was in 1066 but was not popular until the 13th century and continued to be so until the 17th century. Today we are lucky to have such organisations that appear on a regular basis at Littlecote House ~ Geoff and Val Winships Merry England get the thumbs up from this _peasant_! Map Location: RG170SU

Littlecote 1 Littlecote 2 Littlecote 3 Littlecote 4 Littlecote 5 Littlecote 6 Littlecote 7 Littlecote 8 Littlecote 9 Littlecote 10 Littlecote 11 Littlecote 12 Littlecote 13 Littlecote 14 Littlecote 15 Littlecote 16 Littlecote 17 Littlecote 18 Littlecote 19 Littlecote 20 Littlecote 21 Littlecote 22 Littlecote 23 Littlecote 24 Littlecote 25 Littlecote 26 Littlecote 27 Littlecote 28 Littlecote 29 Littlecote 30 Littlecote 31 Littlecote 32 Littlecote 33 Littlecote 34 Littlecote 35 Littlecote 36 Littlecote 37 Littlecote 38 Littlecote 39 Littlecote 40 Littlecote 41 Littlecote 42 Littlecote 43 Orpheus 1 Orpheus 2 Orpheus 3 Orpheus 4 Orpheus 5 Orpheus 6 Orpheus 7

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]]> Fri Jul 18 2008 -'^'- Therfield Heath Long Barrows -'^'- http://stone-circles.fotopic.net/c1528820.html Location: Nearest town - Royston. TL342402 & Latitude: 52.043959N Longitude: 0.044633W. I'd wanted to visit this area for a while, after understanding the Ley Lines and visiting Royston Cave, surprisingly spied Long Barrows gracing the horizon on the A505; I had to get back there. Therfield, an olde “pond” village is situated on the fringe but the area is best known for the residence of the Neolithic Long Barrow and several Bronze Age Barrows which sit majestically overlooking the ancient Icknield Way; a bench is even placed for the weary traveller! The area is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest and although encompasses a golf course it has parking readily available but doesn’t detract from the ambience; day or night. I felt a great connection here; a far from the madding crowds scenario, right on my doorstep perfect! Sunday 15 June 2008: Location: Nearest town - Royston. TL342402 & Latitude: 52.043959N Longitude: 0.044633W. I'd wanted to visit this area for a while, after understanding the Ley Lines and visiting Royston Cave, surprisingly spied Long Barrows gracing the horizon on the A505; I had to get back there. Therfield, an olde _pond_ village is situated on the fringe but the area is best known for the residence of the Neolithic Long Barrow and several Bronze Age Barrows which sit majestically overlooking the ancient Icknield Way; a bench is even placed for the weary traveller! The area is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest and although encompasses a golf course it has parking readily available but doesn_t detract from the ambience; day or night. I felt a great connection here; a far from the madding crowds scenario, right on my doorstep perfect!

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]]> Sun Jun 15 2008 /\^/\ Royston Cave /\^/\ http://stone-circles.fotopic.net/c1524098.html Location: SG87BZ . Turn off for the direction of the station, go straight down the end of the road (Kneesworth Street), keep left and turn left. You will need to park in a public car park. Don't miss the shop! What was the Royston Cave? Was it like Kent's Cavern or Wookey Hole? I did a bit of research on it and became fascinated that it (it seems) was a 'Templar' circular sacred building. Workmen in summer 1742 were in the process of constructing a new bench for the patrons and like-minded souls to sit upon and dug a hole in Butter Market and struck upon the Millstone. To put their bench in properly the Millstone would need to be removed - that's when the shaft was discovered....... The great Antiquarian William Stukely visited in 1744 whilst other stories circulated in that the cave had once been a hermitage connected with Lady Roisia de Vere, the legendary founder of Royston. Certainly, where the cave is situated is of importance regarding Omphalos - layout of sacred architecture and geomantic works; close by is the ancient Icknield Way and Ermine Street. So what about the Templars? The Templar’s were close by in Baldock and held a market at Royston, the cave was an excellent place to store your produce and build yourself a chapel above. The carvings seem of pagan origin can be read for example is it Saint Catherine or Persephone; Queen of the Underworld? Make of it what you will it is unique! Saturday 7 June 2008: Location: SG87BZ . Turn off for the direction of the station, go straight down the end of the road (Kneesworth Street), keep left and turn left. You will need to park in a public car park. Don't miss the shop! What was the Royston Cave? Was it like Kent's Cavern or Wookey Hole? I did a bit of research on it and became fascinated that it (it seems) was a 'Templar' circular sacred building. Workmen in summer 1742 were in the process of constructing a new bench for the patrons and like-minded souls to sit upon and dug a hole in Butter Market and struck upon the Millstone. To put their bench in properly the Millstone would need to be removed - that's when the shaft was discovered....... The great Antiquarian William Stukely visited in 1744 whilst other stories circulated in that the cave had once been a hermitage connected with Lady Roisia de Vere, the legendary founder of Royston. Certainly, where the cave is situated is of importance regarding Omphalos - layout of sacred architecture and geomantic works; close by is the ancient Icknield Way and Ermine Street. So what about the Templars? The Templar_s were close by in Baldock and held a market at Royston, the cave was an excellent place to store your produce and build yourself a chapel above. The carvings seem of pagan origin can be read for example is it Saint Catherine or Persephone; Queen of the Underworld? Make of it what you will it is unique!

Original entrance

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]]> Sat Jun 7 2008 /+\ Totnes Castle, Devon /+\ http://stone-circles.fotopic.net/c1503635.html Location: SX800605/TQ9 5NU – Totnes Town Centre – no parking, park in many of the centre car parks. Totnes Castle was built by the Normans at a point where three valleys meet. Earliest surviving parts of the castle date from the 11th century, in the form of the earthworks made of layers of earth, rock and clay packed down onto a natural rock mound and was probably built about 1100. The later motte and bailey castle being constructed on the built-up earthworks. During the 13th century the large, circular shell keep was built on top of the motte, but was reconstructed at the beginning of the 14th century when other renovation work was carried out. There was originally a ditch and a curtain wall and domestic buildings. The very first castle on this site is believed to have been built by the Breton Juhel of Totnes, one of William the Conqueror's lieutenants. He was granted the manor in 1068, and to determine his control he constructed a fortification and founded a priory in the town. However, this construction probably was a wooden palisade and tower. When William I died, Juhel unfortunately lost his lands, possibly as he supported the Rebellion of 1088. The manor of Totnes was then granted to Roger de Nonant, who held the manor for the next three generations. It then came into the possession of William de Braose, who built the first stone fortifications on the site. By 1326 the castle had fallen into ruin and in the control the de la Zouch family. A royal order was made for the repair of the castle; it was refortified and a constable appointed. After the Wars of the Roses it fell again into disrepair. The castle was again occupied during the English Civil War but saw no action. Since 1984 the castle has been under the stewardship of English Heritage. Sunday 27 April 2008: Location: SX800605/TQ9 5NU _ Totnes Town Centre _ no parking, park in many of the centre car parks. Totnes Castle was built by the Normans at a point where three valleys meet. Earliest surviving parts of the castle date from the 11th century, in the form of the earthworks made of layers of earth, rock and clay packed down onto a natural rock mound and was probably built about 1100. The later motte and bailey castle being constructed on the built-up earthworks. During the 13th century the large, circular shell keep was built on top of the motte, but was reconstructed at the beginning of the 14th century when other renovation work was carried out. There was originally a ditch and a curtain wall and domestic buildings. The very first castle on this site is believed to have been built by the Breton Juhel of Totnes, one of William the Conqueror's lieutenants. He was granted the manor in 1068, and to determine his control he constructed a fortification and founded a priory in the town. However, this construction probably was a wooden palisade and tower. When William I died, Juhel unfortunately lost his lands, possibly as he supported the Rebellion of 1088. The manor of Totnes was then granted to Roger de Nonant, who held the manor for the next three generations. It then came into the possession of William de Braose, who built the first stone fortifications on the site. By 1326 the castle had fallen into ruin and in the control the de la Zouch family. A royal order was made for the repair of the castle; it was refortified and a constable appointed. After the Wars of the Roses it fell again into disrepair. The castle was again occupied during the English Civil War but saw no action. Since 1984 the castle has been under the stewardship of English Heritage.

Totnes Castle Totnes Castle Totnes Castle Totnes Castle Totnes Castle Totnes Castle Totnes Castle Totnes Castle Totnes Castle Totnes Castle Totnes Castle Totnes Castle Totnes Castle Totnes Castle

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]]> Sun Apr 27 2008 +-+ Kents Cavern +-+ http://stone-circles.fotopic.net/c1503626.html Location: TQ1 2JF – 1 mile from Torquay harbour and well-signposted. It is the most famous Stone Age home in Britain with artefacts and remains dating back half a million years. It is a scheduled ancient monument and historical site, as well of being of special scientific interest regarding the palaeothic period. These caves have a fabulous geological formation and have revealed significant prehistoric finds - bones and flints were dug up in the 1820s. William Pengelly set to work in there in the second half of the century. He found hand axes dating back 450,000 years. William kept records of his discoveries and where found. Between 1925 and 1941, Arthur Ogilvy unearthed many ancient finds, flint hand axes dating from over 450,000 years ago and fossil remains of the sabre-toothed cat, cave bear, mammoth and wholly rhinoceros. The oldest human bone ever found in Britain was discovered here - 37-40,000 years old. Research continues to discover if the bone is from a Neanderthal or a modern human. It wasn’t a visitor centre till 1903. The Haldon estate - including the caves - was sold to the Powe family. One member of the Powe family, Francis used the caves as a workplace to make beach huts for nearby Meadfoot Beach, his son Leslie spent his life turning the caves into a major attraction; adding the usual visitor facilities. Leslie’s son John carried on the great work and added modern facilities. John passed away in 2000 and his father in 2001. John's eldest son Nick carries on the great work today. Monday 28 April 2008: Location: TQ1 2JF _ 1 mile from Torquay harbour and well-signposted. It is the most famous Stone Age home in Britain with artefacts and remains dating back half a million years. It is a scheduled ancient monument and historical site, as well of being of special scientific interest regarding the palaeothic period. These caves have a fabulous geological formation and have revealed significant prehistoric finds - bones and flints were dug up in the 1820s. William Pengelly set to work in there in the second half of the century. He found hand axes dating back 450,000 years. William kept records of his discoveries and where found. Between 1925 and 1941, Arthur Ogilvy unearthed many ancient finds, flint hand axes dating from over 450,000 years ago and fossil remains of the sabre-toothed cat, cave bear, mammoth and wholly rhinoceros. The oldest human bone ever found in Britain was discovered here - 37-40,000 years old. Research continues to discover if the bone is from a Neanderthal or a modern human. It wasn_t a visitor centre till 1903. The Haldon estate - including the caves - was sold to the Powe family. One member of the Powe family, Francis used the caves as a workplace to make beach huts for nearby Meadfoot Beach, his son Leslie spent his life turning the caves into a major attraction; adding the usual visitor facilities. Leslie_s son John carried on the great work and added modern facilities. John passed away in 2000 and his father in 2001. John's eldest son Nick carries on the great work today.

Kents Cavern Kents Cavern Kents Cavern Kents Cavern Kents Cavern Kents Cavern Kents Cavern Kents Cavern Kents Cavern Kents Cavern Kents Cavern Kents Cavern Kents Cavern Kents Cavern Kents Cavern Kents Cavern Kents Cavern Kents Cavern Kents Cavern Kents Cavern Kents Cavern Kents Cavern Kents Cavern Kents Cavern Kents Cavern Kents Cavern Kents Cavern Kents Cavern Kents Cavern Kents Cavern Kents Cavern Kents Cavern Kents Cavern Kents Cavern Kents Cavern Kents Cavern Kents Cavern Kents Cavern Kents Cavern Kents Cavern Kents Cavern Kents Cavern Kents Cavern Kents Cavern Kents Cavern Kents Cavern Kents Cavern Kents Cavern Kents Cavern Kents Cavern

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]]> Mon Apr 28 2008 | o | Men-an-Tol Holed Stone | o | http://stone-circles.fotopic.net/c1382834.html Men-an-Tol – SW426349 Located on the North Eastern Side of Penzance-Morvah road at Bosullow Common. The turning in nearly opposite to Chun Castle. Parking. Walk up the track – it is quite a walk but worth it. Men-an-Tol (holed stone, also known as Crick Stone/Devils Eye, Men-an-Tol meaning “Stone of the Hole!”) consists of a wide stone about 1 metre tall, cut into a circular shape by human hands with the hole about 45 centimetres, either side are standing stones of approximately 1.2 metres tall. Clock the positioning of the stones. It is unique and dominant in folklore. Men Scryfra is close by. Saturday 22 September 2007: Men-an-Tol _ SW426349 Located on the North Eastern Side of Penzance-Morvah road at Bosullow Common. The turning in nearly opposite to Chun Castle. Parking. Walk up the track _ it is quite a walk but worth it. Men-an-Tol (holed stone, also known as Crick Stone/Devils Eye, Men-an-Tol meaning _Stone of the Hole!_) consists of a wide stone about 1 metre tall, cut into a circular shape by human hands with the hole about 45 centimetres, either side are standing stones of approximately 1.2 metres tall. Clock the positioning of the stones. It is unique and dominant in folklore. Men Scryfra is close by.

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]]> Sat Sep 22 2007 .|||. Nine Maidens Stone Row .|||. http://stone-circles.fotopic.net/c1382830.html Nine Maidens SW936675 Located approximately 3 miles north east of St. Columb Major. Take the A39 heading towards Wadebridge (not far from the St. Breock Downs Monolith also). The Nine prehistoric stones in a row are located in front of the field hedge and are not dominant from the road as it took me two attempts! There is a handy lay-by for parking, but don’t go trying to get over the fence because if you walk a little way down there is an even handier stile! Wellies optional if not advisable. The 10th stone is said to be an addition. Famous for what was thought to be “Cornwall’s only stone row” but others have since been discovered more recently. “The Fiddler” is nearby just where the road braches off to Tredinnick. Saturday 22 September 2007: Nine Maidens SW936675 Located approximately 3 miles north east of St. Columb Major. Take the A39 heading towards Wadebridge (not far from the St. Breock Downs Monolith also). The Nine prehistoric stones in a row are located in front of the field hedge and are not dominant from the road as it took me two attempts! There is a handy lay-by for parking, but don_t go trying to get over the fence because if you walk a little way down there is an even handier stile! Wellies optional if not advisable. The 10th stone is said to be an addition. Famous for what was thought to be _Cornwall_s only stone row_ but others have since been discovered more recently. _The Fiddler_ is nearby just where the road braches off to Tredinnick.

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]]> Sat Sep 22 2007 |+| Boswarthan Celtic Chapel & Holy Well |+| http://stone-circles.fotopic.net/c1382829.html Boswarthan Celtic Chapel & Holy Well (also known as Madron Well) SW445327 Nearest village is Madron, Penzance and is signposted (as if you had been to Men-an-Tol and Lanyon Quoit road), there is parking. Very serene atmosphere, yes and I attached my Cloutie! Saturday 22 September 2007: Boswarthan Celtic Chapel & Holy Well (also known as Madron Well) SW445327 Nearest village is Madron, Penzance and is signposted (as if you had been to Men-an-Tol and Lanyon Quoit road), there is parking. Very serene atmosphere, yes and I attached my Cloutie!

Madron Well Madron Well Madron Well

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]]> Sat Sep 22 2007 ¬/+\¬ Hillforts ¬/+\¬ http://stone-circles.fotopic.net/c1382820.html Castle-an-Dinas Hillfort, Restormel District - SW945624 2 miles SE of St. Columb Major and look out for Providence off of the A30. It is signposted but you need the rough track and not the smooth one as it leads to someone’s dwelling! The ancient hillfort is vast and dates back to the iron Age and was occupied approximately 400BC to 150 AD. It comprised of four large circular ramparts, with two Bronze Age barrows in the interior with the Northern Barrow now being hollow and is dominated by a stone. Unfortunately I couldn’t spend too much time exploring, as it was dark, grey and started to rain, but was worth the effort. Devils’ Coyt/Quoit - SW923619 is a short distance away. Castle-an-Dinas Hillfort, Penwith District & Roger’s Tower - SW485349 Neolithic Hillfort with an 18th century folly built of stone from the original castle, or what resembles to me a giant sandcastle! It is called Roger’s Tower due to it being built for the family of nearby Treassowe in 1798 as what would be an excellent picnic place with picturesque views leading towards St. Michael’s Mount. Briefly it comprises of a Gothick-style tower, predominantly square, with pointed windows and doors, graced by circular bastions at the four corners. Inside, I am told, is a fireplace, its chimney discretely hidden in one of the circular bastions. I understand it is in the process of being restored. I did enquire locally whether both were accessible - only, it seems if you fancy a long walk over the hills so I had to make do with a long zoom shot on a grey day. Please note the road nearby belongs to the Quarry Company so is not a public road. Sharpenhoe Clappers - Location: Nr. Streatley Village, Bedfordshire, signposted. TL065304. Latitude - 51.961891N Longitude - 0.45139W, parking. When this site was in its heyday it must have been impressive. Although I didn't walk up to the ancient Beech Wood (plan to do that another day!) the view was totally amazing with the traces of the Iron Age Fort dominating the landscape. Saturday 22 September 2007: Castle-an-Dinas Hillfort, Restormel District - SW945624 2 miles SE of St. Columb Major and look out for Providence off of the A30. It is signposted but you need the rough track and not the smooth one as it leads to someone_s dwelling! The ancient hillfort is vast and dates back to the iron Age and was occupied approximately 400BC to 150 AD. It comprised of four large circular ramparts, with two Bronze Age barrows in the interior with the Northern Barrow now being hollow and is dominated by a stone. Unfortunately I couldn_t spend too much time exploring, as it was dark, grey and started to rain, but was worth the effort. Devils_ Coyt/Quoit - SW923619 is a short distance away. Castle-an-Dinas Hillfort, Penwith District & Roger_s Tower - SW485349 Neolithic Hillfort with an 18th century folly built of stone from the original castle, or what resembles to me a giant sandcastle! It is called Roger_s Tower due to it being built for the family of nearby Treassowe in 1798 as what would be an excellent picnic place with picturesque views leading towards St. Michael_s Mount. Briefly it comprises of a Gothick-style tower, predominantly square, with pointed windows and doors, graced by circular bastions at the four corners. Inside, I am told, is a fireplace, its chimney discretely hidden in one of the circular bastions. I understand it is in the process of being restored. I did enquire locally whether both were accessible - only, it seems if you fancy a long walk over the hills so I had to make do with a long zoom shot on a grey day. Please note the road nearby belongs to the Quarry Company so is not a public road. Sharpenhoe Clappers - Location: Nr. Streatley Village, Bedfordshire, signposted. TL065304. Latitude - 51.961891N Longitude - 0.45139W, parking. When this site was in its heyday it must have been impressive. Although I didn't walk up to the ancient Beech Wood (plan to do that another day!) the view was totally amazing with the traces of the Iron Age Fort dominating the landscape.

Castle-an-Dinas-Restormel Castle-an-Dinas-Restormel Castle-an-Dinas-Restormel Castle-an-Dinas-Restormel Castle-an-Dinas-Restormel Castle-an-Dinas-Restormel Castle-an-Dinas-Restormel Castle-an-Dinas-Restormel Castle-an-Dinas-Restormel Castle-an-Dinas-Restormel Roger's Tower Penwith Roger's Tower Penwith Roger's Tower Penwith Roger's Tower Penwith Sharpenhoe Clappers Sharpenhoe Clappers Sharpenhoe Clappers Sharpenhoe Clappers Sharpenhoe Clappers Sharpenhoe Clappers Sharpenhoe Clappers Sharpenhoe Clappers Sharpenhoe Clappers Sharpenhoe Clappers Sharpenhoe Clappers

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]]> Sat Sep 22 2007