Featured: Explore Cornwall with the amazing Megalithic Portal smartphone app

Explore Cornwall with the amazing Megalithic Portal smartphone app

Random Image

Datuidoc's Stone

Datuidoc's Stone

The Quest for the Shaman: Shape-shifters, Sorcerers and Spirit-healers of Ancient Europe

The Quest for the Shaman: Shape-shifters, Sorcerers and Spirit-healers of Ancient Europe

Login

Register here - as a registered user you get more features and fewer ads.

Who's Online

There are currently, 1645 guests and 4 members online.

Sponsors

<< Our Photo Pages >> Tregeseal East - Stone Circle in England in Cornwall

Submitted by TheCaptain on Monday, 07 March 2016  Page Views: 52100

Neolithic and Bronze AgeSite Name: Tregeseal East Alternative Name: Dancing Stones, Nine Maidens, Meyn an Dons, Stones of the Dance
Country: England County: Cornwall Type: Stone Circle
Nearest Town: Penzance  Nearest Village: St Just
Map Ref: SW3866032370  Landranger Map Number: 203
Latitude: 50.133703N  Longitude: 5.658415W
Condition:
5Perfect
4Almost Perfect
3Reasonable but with some damage
2Ruined but still recognisable as an ancient site
1Pretty much destroyed, possibly visible as crop marks
0No data.
-1Completely destroyed
 5 Ambience:
5Superb
4Good
3Ordinary
2Not Good
1Awful
0No data.
 4 Access:
5Can be driven to, probably with disabled access
4Short walk on a footpath
3Requiring a bit more of a walk
2A long walk
1In the middle of nowhere, a nightmare to find
0No data.
 3 Accuracy:
5co-ordinates taken by GPS or official recorded co-ordinates
4co-ordinates scaled from a detailed map
3co-ordinates scaled from a bad map
2co-ordinates of the nearest village
1co-ordinates of the nearest town
0no data
 5

Internal Links:
External Links:

I have visited· I would like to visit

Jimwithnoname whese001 punkwitch would like to visit

hallsifer visited on 21st Jun 2025 - their rating: Cond: 4 Amb: 5 Access: 3

LiveAndrew visited on 8th Jul 2021 - their rating: Cond: 4 Amb: 5 Access: 3

Catrinm visited on 17th Jul 2020 - their rating: Cond: 2 Amb: 4 Access: 3

Catrinm visited on 24th Mar 2019 - their rating: Cond: 4 Amb: 4 Access: 3 Visited at last

lucasn visited on 23rd Jul 2018 - their rating: Cond: 4 Amb: 4 Access: 3

Andy B visited on 17th Sep 2010 - their rating: Cond: 4 Amb: 4 Access: 4

BolshieBoris visited on 18th Jun 1986 - their rating: Cond: 4 Amb: 4 Access: 4 Lovely circle in an impressive setting.

SandyG Bladup AngieLake davidmorgan hamish JimChampion TheCaptain ocifant cazzyjane ArchAstro have visited here

Average ratings for this site from all visit loggers: Condition: 3.71 Ambience: 4.29 Access: 3.29

Tregeseal East
Tregeseal East submitted by Bladup : Tregeseal Stone Circle (Vote or comment on this photo)
Tregeseal Stone Circles, also known as the Dancing Stones, or Nine Maidens, are the remains of what was definitely a pair, or perhaps even three adjacent circles in an east to west arrangement. They are to be found at the southern edge of the open moorland above Tregeseal, and below Carn Kenidjack.

The western, or central circle was still in existence until 1961, when its remains were cleared by the farmer wanting to plough the field. Any western circle has only been seen as crop marks.

The remaining eastern circle, has been subjected to perhaps over zealous restorations over the years. Nineteen stones ranging in height from 0.7 to 1.5 metres stand in a fairly good circle about 21 metres in diameter. There are a couple of places where the spacing between the stones is larger than most, perhaps a missing stone or perhaps an entrance? Several other stones of similar shape and size lay about alongside in places.

Unfortunately these days, the stones are under threat and often knocked over due to grazing longhorn cattle

Note: If you like CazzyJane's painting we have cards available here.
You may be viewing yesterday's version of this page. To see the most up to date information please register for a free account.


Tregeseal East
Tregeseal East submitted by cazzyjane : Tregeseal stone circle. Oil on canvas (6 comments - Vote or comment on this photo)

Tregeseal East
Tregeseal East submitted by Bladup : Tregeseal stone circle. This Original Artwork in a glass frame is £39.99 + Postage (Just whatever it costs), and is 20 cm x 12 and a half cm. A limited (to a 100) edition print in a 8" x 10" glass frame would be £19.99 + £2.90 postage, E-mail me at [email protected] if interested. (Vote or comment on this photo)

Tregeseal East
Tregeseal East submitted by Bladup : Tregeseal Stone Circle. (Vote or comment on this photo)

Tregeseal East
Tregeseal East submitted by BazCross : Tregeseal East photographed in March 2012. (1 comment - Vote or comment on this photo)

Tregeseal East
Tregeseal East submitted by Bladup : Tregeseal Stone Circle and a Rainbow (Vote or comment on this photo)

Tregeseal East
Tregeseal East submitted by Bladup : Tregeseal Stone Circle

Tregeseal East
Tregeseal East submitted by cazzyjane : Tregeseal East Stone Circle.

Tregeseal East
Tregeseal East submitted by cazzyjane : Tregeseal East Stone circle.

Tregeseal East
Tregeseal East submitted by Bladup : Tregeseal stone circle.

Tregeseal East
Tregeseal East submitted by Bladup

Tregeseal East
Tregeseal East submitted by BazCross : Part of Tregeseal East showing its relationship to Cairn Kenidjack. (2 comments)

Tregeseal East
Tregeseal East submitted by Andy B : Photo from July 2009 showing after the bracken was cut to relieve the interior of the circle from the effects of cattle. Photo and text by Ian Cooke, used with permission. (1 comment)

Tregeseal East
Tregeseal East submitted by Andy B : Photo from June 2009. The cattle were supposed to trample down the bracken but only ate the grass within the circle, destabilising several stones that, after we reported it to the Historic Environment Service in Truro, had to be secured. The HES then organised a manual cutting of surrounding bracken to give the cattle more space away from the circle! So far this is the only major site to be affe... (6 comments)

Tregeseal East
Tregeseal East submitted by thecaptain : Tregeseal Stone Circle, July 2003 The circle was completely surrounded by gorse, ferns and other growth, which made getting to the stones practically impossibe. Getting a photo was difficult too. To get this picture I had to climb on top of the wall surrounding the field the circle is in. Surely these monuments deserve better treatment (1 comment)

Tregeseal East
Tregeseal East submitted by Horatio : Tregeseal East and pretty amazing too. My first visit and also where I'll be seeing in the summer solstice 2025, don't think I could've chosen a better site (apart from SH). (19 comments)

Tregeseal East
Tregeseal East submitted by Bladup : Tregeseal Stone Circle and the summer solstice sunrise 2020, The Sun first appears into a notch between distant hills, This certainly isn't coincidence here as it also rises between the closest two prominent barrows.

Tregeseal East
Tregeseal East submitted by Postman : I give up !

Tregeseal East
Tregeseal East submitted by Bladup : Tregeseal stone circle.

Tregeseal East
Tregeseal East submitted by Bladup : Overall view of Tregeseal East stone circle with Carn Kenidjack in the background on the left. (3 comments)

Tregeseal East
Tregeseal East submitted by Bladup : Tregeseal Stone circle.

Tregeseal East
Tregeseal East submitted by BazCross : Part of Tregeseal East. March 2012.

Tregeseal East
Tregeseal East submitted by JimChampion : August 2007. Stones in the south-east quadrant of the circle, overlooked by Carn Kenidjack.

Tregeseal East
Tregeseal East submitted by JimChampion : August 2006. A low view of one of the standing stones in the circle, with one of the fallen stones on the left. Carn Kenidjack in in the distance. (1 comment)

Tregeseal East
Tregeseal East submitted by JimChampion : August 2006. Panoramic view of Tregeseal East stone circle from the stone hedge to the south, with Carn Kenidjack on the horizon to the left. (1 comment)

Tregeseal East
Tregeseal East submitted by JimChampion : August 2006. Tregeseal East stone circle in the foreground, Carn Kenidjack in the distance. At the centre of the circle (to the right) is a shallow pit with the remains of a small fire.

These are just the first 25 photos of Tregeseal East. If you log in with a free user account you will be able to see our entire collection.

Do not use the above information on other web sites or publications without permission of the contributor.
Click here to see more info for this site

Nearby sites

Click here to view sites on an interactive OS map

Key: Red: member's photo, Blue: 3rd party photo, Yellow: other image, Green: no photo - please go there and take one, Grey: site destroyed

Download sites to:
KML (Google Earth)
GPX (GPS waypoints)
CSV (Garmin/Navman)
CSV (Excel)

To unlock full downloads you need to sign up as a Contributory Member. Otherwise downloads are limited to 50 sites.


Turn off the page maps and other distractions

Nearby sites listing. In the following links * = Image available
 51m W 279° Tregeseal C* Stone Circle (SW38613238)
 111m W 278° Tregeseal W Stone Circle (SW38553239)
 298m NE 48° Truthwall Common barrows* Round Barrow(s) (SW38893256)
 313m SSW 204° Carn Vres* Round Barrow(s) (SW38523209)
 349m NNW 326° Truthwall Commom Ancient Village or Settlement (SW38483267)
 407m SSW 205° Lower Bostraze Misc. Earthwork (SW38473201)
 429m NE 52° Kenidjack Common holed stones* Stone Row / Alignment (SW39013262)
 518m WNW 290° Truthwall Barrow* Round Barrow(s) (SW38183257)
 549m NE 50° Carn Kenidjack Hut Circle and Enclosure Ancient Village or Settlement (SW391327)
 613m N 9° Carn Kenidjack propped stone* Natural Stone / Erratic / Other Natural Feature (SW38793297)
 642m WNW 293° No Go By Hill Field System* Misc. Earthwork (SW38083265)
 645m N 10° Carn Kenidjack* Rock Outcrop (SW388330)
 659m WSW 247° Tregeseal Barrow* Chambered Tomb (SW38043214)
 680m NE 37° Carnyorth Circles Ancient Village or Settlement (SW39103289)
 758m WNW 300° Camyorth Field System Misc. Earthwork (SW38023278)
 862m NNW 330° Carnbean Barrows* Round Barrow(s) (SW38273314)
 891m NE 38° Boslow Cross* Ancient Cross (SW39253304)
 1.0km NNE 25° Portheras Barrow* Round Barrow(s) (SW39143326)
 1.0km WNW 286° Higher Botallack Enclosure* Ancient Village or Settlement (SW377327)
 1.1km ESE 102° Wheal Buller Settlement* Ancient Village or Settlement (SW397321)
 1.2km NE 50° Woon Gumpus Menhirs* Natural Stone / Erratic / Other Natural Feature (SW3960033079)
 1.2km NNE 32° Woon Gumpus Barrows Round Barrow(s) (SW39343335)
 1.3km NE 52° Woon Gumpas Common Tumuli* Barrow Cemetery (SW397331)
 1.4km NNW 345° Carn Eanes Standing stone* Modern Stone Circle etc (SW38373375)
 1.4km ENE 66° Boswens Menhir* Standing Stone (Menhir) (SW40013289)
View more nearby sites and additional images

<< Zarasų akmuo su dubeniu

Dolmen de Mialas 1 >>

Please add your thoughts on this site

Contribute!

· NEW: I have visited
· I would like to visit
· Submit an Image
· Add a description
· Give accurate position
· Add a comment or news about this site

Cornovia: Ancient Sites of Cornwall and Scilly, Craig Weatherhill

Cornovia: Ancient Sites of Cornwall and Scilly, Craig Weatherhill

Sponsors

Latest Visit Logs

  • The Bargain Stone
    “Sadly when I was there it was covered by a large box. At least the workers renovating the church ha…”
    by cactus_chris · 15 Jun 2026
  • Sigtuna U 389
    “Right next to the museum entrance, this runestone is hard to miss.”
    by CharcoalBurner89 · 15 Jun 2026
  • The Awen Stone
    “Situated in the grounds of West End Campsite, easily visible and accessible as of June 2026.”
    by TimPrevett · 15 Jun 2026
  • Dolmen de la Roc de l'Arca
    “GPS co-ordinates are accurate. Use the same parking as for Dolmen de la Cauna del Moro and walk 200…”
    by Jhalst1 · 14 Jun 2026
  • Dolmen de la Cauna del Moro
    “The GPS co-ordinates are accurate, and you can drive to withing 10m of the dolmen. There is parking …”
    by Jhalst1 · 14 Jun 2026

"Tregeseal East" | Login/Create an Account | 52 News and Comments
  
Go back to top of page    Comments are owned by the poster. We aren't responsible for their content.
Video: Ancient Landscape around Tregeseal and its Solar Connections, Carolyn Kennett by Andy B on Thursday, 27 April 2023
(User Info | Send a Message)
Astronomer Carolyn Kennett explores the ancient remains around Tregeseal stone circle, outside St Just in Cornwall. Discussing her work into the connections of these sites with the Sun. Part of the Watching the Sun project funded by HLF, Arts Council and Feast



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bnKFjBmSKZ8

ALSO AUDIO TOUR: The Ancient Stones of Tregeseal: A Walk Through West Cornwall’s Prehistory

West Cornwall has a rich and captivating history going back over 4,500 years to the Bronze Age. On this walking tour, you’ll follow in the footsteps of some of its earliest inhabitants. While you journey across the landscape, you’ll hear about what drove them to settle, farm and build here, and what their day-to-day lives would have looked like.

Our tour starts at Portheras, an impressive round barrow where the remains of cremated dead were laid, and ends at the celebrated stone circle, Tregeseal East. Along the way, you’ll pass well-known and lesser-known sites, including the Carn Kenidjack, which dominates the skyline and offers wonderful views of the western coastline. You’ll also visit an unusual inscribed stone which is possibly the burial place of St Just.
http://voicemap.me/tour/penwith-cornwall/the-ancient-stones-of-tregeseal-a-walk-through-west-cornwall-s-prehistory
[ Reply to This ]

Tregeseal East Stone Circle by lucasn on Thursday, 16 August 2018
(User Info | Send a Message)
[ Reply to This ]

Re: Tregeseal East by Anonymous on Tuesday, 10 June 2014
we walked the tinner's way on thursday 5th june 2014, but couldnt get near to the tregeseal circle as the cows grazing in and around the circle didnt seem to friendly - one even seemed so annoyed it scraped it's left hoof and snorted at us - we turned around and walked an alternate route up to carn kenidjack.
[ Reply to This ]

Tregeseal Stone Circle "English Heritage recommendations due soon" by MikeAitch on Thursday, 11 August 2011
(User Info | Send a Message)
From BBC News Cornwall today:

A decision on how best to protect a prehistoric stone circle in Cornwall from damage is expected soon.
There are concerns about stones at the Tregeseal circle in St Just which have become dislodged or loose.
Some people believe they are being damaged by cattle which now graze the area under a Natural England stewardship scheme.
The High Level Stewardship (HSL) began in 2009 and is due to run for 10 years.
Stabilisation sought
Natural England says the aim of HSL is to deliver significant benefits to wildlife, landscapes and the environment in priority areas.
But the campaign group Save Penwith Moors wants the cattle and fencing removed from Carnyorth Common, where the stone circle is.
"This landscape's been used and farmed by generations and it's the first time the common's been enclosed by gates and fencing since the year dot," group spokesman Ian McNeil Cook said.
"We accept there has to be a balance between agriculture and the public, but it...

Read the rest of this post...
[ Reply to This ]

CASPN, Tregeseal Stone Circle Clear Up, August 14th 2011 by coldrum on Sunday, 03 July 2011
(User Info | Send a Message)
Cornish Ancient Sites Protection Network Roesweyth Gwith Hen Leow Kernewek

Sunday 14th August 2011, 2pm

TREGESEAL STONE CIRCLE

o/s 3866 3238

Park in lane meet at the circle.

For further details please contact Dave: 01736 787230
Or email: [email protected]

http://www.cornishancientsites.com/siteclearances.htm

[ Reply to This ]
    Re: CASPN, Tregeseal Stone Circle Clear Up, August 14th 2011 by Andy B on Monday, 04 July 2011
    (User Info | Send a Message)
    Clearing scrub around Tregeseal at the moment sounds like a thoroughly bad idea as it will just create more space for stampeding cattle!
    [ Reply to This ]

Re:Tregeseal East by coldrum on Sunday, 03 July 2011
(User Info | Send a Message)
A few links.
Tregeseal stone circle
http://www.historic-cornwall.org.uk/a2m/bronze_age/stone_circle/tregeseal/tregeseal.htm

Cornwall Earth Mysteries Group
http://www.meynmamvro.co.uk/earth.htm

Tregeseal Stone Circle Leaflet
http://www.cornishancientsites.com/Tregeseal%20circle.pdf

Stone Circles
http://www.pznow.co.uk/historic1/stonecircles.html

Secret Landscape Tours

http://www.secretlandscapetours.com/cornwall.php

Ley Lines
http://www.invisibletemple.com/align1.html

Megaliths, Mênhirs and Stone Circles of Cornwall
http://www.cornwallinfocus.co.uk/history/historic.php?r=W&print

Tregeseal East stone circle
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tregeseal_East_stone_circle
[ Reply to This ]

Re:Tregeseal Stone Circle by coldrum on Sunday, 03 July 2011
(User Info | Send a Message)
The following information about this circle is from the Pastscape website. It mentions the circle that was destroyed in 1961 before the area was ploughed. Several stones of Tregeseal East were apparantly re-erected by persons unknown in 1932.

Pastscape entry:

""The circle A stands on the open common south from Carn
Kenijack.... The other, B, is in the adjoining croft at a
distance of 120 ft. measuring from centre to centre, the bearing
by compass west. Some of the stones of the latter stand in the
hedge which encloses the croft. The eastern circle .....has
counted about twenty one stones ..... twelve are still standing,
one is broken, four........prostrate ....... and four appear
to have been taken away. The diameter of both circles is from 60'
to 70'. The Western circle, B, most probably consisted of the
same number of stones of which six only are now standing ..........
three are in the hedge, and four are down........
See AO/59/388/2 (2)

"..... near Tregaseal...

Read the rest of this post...
[ Reply to This ]

Re: More photos of Tregeseal Stone Circle Damage 21 June 2011 by coldrum on Tuesday, 28 June 2011
(User Info | Send a Message)
At least the moors and monuments are protected. Damage can be rectified. Other places are not so lucky. Priddy Henges for instance.
Development concerns me. There are many ancient monuments and areas of our countryside that are not protected. Quarrying, road and house building are all taking their toll.
When the cattle go the moor will grow back. A loose stone can be set right. Priddy Henges are not going to be so easy.
[ Reply to This ]

More photos of Tregeseal Stone Circle Damage 21 June 2011 by Andy B on Thursday, 23 June 2011
(User Info | Send a Message)
Tregeseal Stone Circle Damage 21 June 2011 by Julie Burke
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.2040089516292.117972.1065924946

Craig Weatherhill writes: On photo No. 7, a dirty area on the stone's top right shows where the cattle have been rubbing against it, and that's the very side from which the force has come to displace it.
[ Reply to This ]

Video footage prompts call for action to protect stones by Andy B on Thursday, 23 June 2011
(User Info | Send a Message)
According to This is Cornwall:

ENGLISH HERITAGE is to take action after damning new footage emerged showing cows disturbing ancient standing stones in west Penwith.

The conservation group looks set to intervene after environmental campaigners recorded more damage to Tregeseal circle and nearby historic stones on Carnyorth Common.

"We are still looking at finding a long-term solution for the scheduled monument, however this may take some time because of the complex issues surrounding the management of the site," she said. [so nothing new there really - MegP Ed]

However Natural England disputed claims that the cows may be responsible for damage to the holed stone, which was first broken in the 1960s. "We do not suspect grazing animals as the vegetation there is too dense to penetrate," said Peter Bowden, land management team leader. "It is likely that the mortar weakened over time and cracked. It wasn't pinned in place – just a concrete mix was used."

The farmer who...

Read the rest of this post...
[ Reply to This ]
    Re: Video footage prompts call for action to protect stones by TheCaptain on Thursday, 23 June 2011
    (User Info | Send a Message)
    The vegetation around the broken holed stone doesn't look very thick to me in the picture of it.

    And wasn't the purpose of the cattle to eat or trample the growth and keep it down ?
    [ Reply to This ]

Response from English Heritage to Save Penwith Moors re: Tregeseal by Runemage on Tuesday, 07 June 2011
(User Info | Send a Message)
Here's my two pennorth, and to make it crystal clear, these are my own personal opinions, not those of the Megalithic Portal.

I can confirm that we are currently investigating the issues associated with this damage with a view to confirming the causes
Some elaboration here would be in everyone's interests, i.e. stating exactly what, if anything EH are actually doing.

Once we have a better understanding of the causes
Cows using them as rubbing-posts has to be a large factor in that equation and I would respectfully suggest that their removal from the stones would be of primary importance before more damage occurs. Then investigations with a view to finding long-term solutions could plod on at a slower pace IF there was any need to do so.

I should make it clear that we do not expect to be at that point for some time.
Why not? Go and find out who is sitting on this doing nothing, demote them to a position with a salary commensurate with their ability and give the project...

Read the rest of this post...
[ Reply to This ]

Response from English Heritage to Save Penwith Moors re: Tregeseal by Andy B on Tuesday, 07 June 2011
(User Info | Send a Message)
Thank you for your concern regarding the ongoing preservation and conservation of the standing stones of the Tregeseal stone circle. As you have made us aware, a number of the stones are loose.

I can confirm that we are currently investigating the issues associated with this damage with a view to confirming the causes and any possible solutions to the problem. Given that this is not the first occurrence of this problem we are keen to ensure that any solution is sustainable and will therefore consider the issues fully before deciding on an appropriate course of action.

Once we have a better understanding of the causes and are in a position to consider possible solutions we will be talking to all with an interest in the monument. Save Penwith Moors will be included in those consultations, however, I should make it clear that we do not expect to be at that point for some time.
[ Reply to This ]

"if the damage persists, cows could be removed from the area" by menantol on Friday, 15 April 2011
(User Info | Send a Message)
CIRCLE COWS & CORNISHMAN
An article was published on 14th April in the weekly local paper The Cornishman entitled “Ancient monument 'damaged by cows'” and that action is being taken by English Heritage. Read the full story at http://www.thisiscornwall.co.uk/where/penzance/Ancient-monument-damaged-cows/article-3444446-detail/article.html
Does CASPN have a view on what is going on here - they have been remarkably quiet so far.
If you have not already done so please join Save Penwith Moors on Facebook
[ Reply to This ]

Re: CASPN's view on the situation at Tregeseal Stone Circle by Runemage on Tuesday, 05 April 2011
(User Info | Send a Message)
>>insist that the farmer take more care <<
How on earth is the farmer supposed to do that without either fencing the cattle in or removing the cattle from the open land. Is he supposed to watch the cows 24/7 and shoo them away every time they look as though they are about to scratch an itch on a stone?


[ Reply to This ]

Re: CASPN's view on the situation at Tregeseal Stone Circle by menantol on Tuesday, 05 April 2011
(User Info | Send a Message)
ENGLISH HERITAGE
The assistant Inspector of Ancient Monuments for Cornwall, Devon and Exmoor has told SPM that they will not prosecute for damage to Tregeseal Circle but will insist that the farmer take more care and that repairs must be paid for out of the farmer’s funding (a small annual payment is made for maintenance of archaeological sites). The Inspector also agreed that the Circle must not be fenced off and that if cattle damage continues then English Heritage will insist that cattle are removed.
[ Reply to This ]

Re: CASPN's view on the situation at Tregeseal Stone Circle by menantol on Saturday, 02 April 2011
(User Info | Send a Message)
On a walk across the moors this morning I noticed that, happily, the loose stone has now been straightened and repaired using rab packed tightly around its base. However this stone will still be very vulnerable to future cattle damage.

Naturally enough no one has had the courtesy to inform Save Penwith Moors of this repair job even though it was SPM who first brought the problem to the attention of the archaeological establishment in Truro.
[ Reply to This ]
    Re: CASPN's view on the situation at Tregeseal Stone Circle by Andy B on Saturday, 02 April 2011
    (User Info | Send a Message)
    I e-mailed Cornwall HES last week with my News Editor hat on and have been told nothing either but if I do I will let you know.
    [ Reply to This ]

Re: CASPN's view on the situation at Tregeseal Stone Circle by menantol on Friday, 01 April 2011
(User Info | Send a Message)
Thanks CASPN for clearing up this issue of funding – but perhaps the web site could make it a little clearer that AONB was a one-off grant?

Indeed CASPN has done – and still is – doing excellent work in protecting the ancient sites but I still cannot understand why, when CASPN’s declared objective is to PROTECT the sites, and fuss is made of ‘ritual’ fires and leaving of unsightly ‘offerings’, there is no condemnation of the significant damage done by cattle – not to mention their ‘offerings’ on the ground around the stones.

Save Penwith Moors also campaigns against the installation of regimented and alien new fences, gates and cattle grids that are defacing the wonderful open moorland of West Penwith in which so many ancient sites are an integral part, but which is seen by Natural England fellow-travellers as a necessary imposition to contain cattle.

I should point out that several SPM activists – myself included – have worked for many decades to inform locals and tourists...

Read the rest of this post...
[ Reply to This ]

Re: CASPN's view on the situation at Tregeseal Stone Circle by menantol on Thursday, 31 March 2011
(User Info | Send a Message)
The Chair of CASPN (Cornish Ancient Sites Protection Network) persistently denies that their opinions are biased regarding introduction of cattle onto the moors where there are vulnerable ancient sites, and that they are not influenced by any connection with Natural England.

But after writing the above recent response, I had a look at CASPN funding.

The CASPN web site [http://www.cornishancientsites.com/funding.htm] states that: “More recently the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Sustainable Development Fund gave a grant towards the support of our site clearance work and the design of our website.”

On looking at the Cornwall AONB Sustainable Development Fund web site [http://www.cornwall-aonb.gov.uk/funding.html] I find that this gives grants “for projects that contribute to sustainable living or sustainable change, within or that benefit the Cornwall AONB. Funding for these grants is provided by Natural England,”

So, unless I am very much mistaken – and I hope I will...

Read the rest of this post...
[ Reply to This ]
    Re: CASPN's view on the situation at Tregeseal Stone Circle by Andy B on Friday, 01 April 2011
    (User Info | Send a Message)
    CASPN responds: CASPN has no funding from any official body of any kind! We did receive a small AONB grant a few years ago as a one-off that was specifically allocated for us to develop our web site and fund the placing of stones near some major sites, asking people not to damage the sites and giving phone numbers for reporting damage.

    Since then, nothing from anybody! CASPN works by the amount of voluntary time that its members give to look after the sites, and the small income we receive by people joining FOCAS (Friends of Cornwall's Ancient Sites) to support the work we do.

    CASPN is admired widely throughout the rest of Britain for the way it operates, its independence of any official body or pressure group, and the work that it does to bring people together from all sides who have a love of the sites and a wish to protect them.

    We will not be brow-beaten by any official body or pressure group into saying and doing what they might want us to do or say for their own ends!...

    Read the rest of this post...
    [ Reply to This ]

Re: CASPN's view on the situation at Tregeseal Stone Circle by menantol on Thursday, 31 March 2011
(User Info | Send a Message)
A response by Save Penwith Moors (co-ordinator) to the Chair of CASPN

The damage to the Tregeseal Circle by cattle on Carnyorth Common (St Just) should not come as a surprise – SPM warned that this could happen many many months ago and so, apparently, did CASPN when originally consulted. I believe this consultation took place in December 2007, long before most people knew anything about the Natural England HEATH Project proposal to fence off this Common prior to introduction of longhorn cattle, and long before SPM was formed (July 2008). With hindsight it is now obvious that Natural England took no notice of CASPN’s opinions – or that of St Just Town Council who voted overwhelmingly against fencing this Common in September 2008 before any work had taken place.

Early concerns expressed about possible cattle damage should have resulted in far more frequent monitoring of this vulnerable site, especially once cattle were in the area.

The remark of “hearsay” relating to cattle...

Read the rest of this post...
[ Reply to This ]
    Re: CASPN's view on the situation at Tregeseal Stone Circle by TheCaptain on Thursday, 31 March 2011
    (User Info | Send a Message)
    On the subject of "cattle putting people off visiting the sites", you dont have to go far from many of the pages here; we have many pictures and comments about people not venturing near to ancient sites which are in fields of cattle, myself included. I could probably name a dozen regulars on the Megalithic Portal who openly state they will NOT go in a field of cattle, even the docile looking ones, let alone these long haired and horny monsters.
    [ Reply to This ]
      Re: CASPN's view on the situation at Tregeseal Stone Circle by AngieLake on Thursday, 31 March 2011
      (User Info | Send a Message)
      Wild horses wouldn't drag me into a field with lots of cattle, let alone those 'auroch' style monsters! Mind you... wild horses might not be too keen on them, either! ;-)

      I was very disappointed to think I'd never see that circle again, nor walk along the pathway to inspect those strange holed stones, because of those awful cattle.
      [ Reply to This ]
      Re: CASPN's view on the situation at Tregeseal Stone Circle by h_fenton on Thursday, 31 March 2011
      (User Info | Send a Message)
      I don't get too concerned about these 'long haired and horny monsters' when visiting sites, my problems usually rest firmly with when there is a load of bullocks in the field charging about.
      [ Reply to This ]
      Re: CASPN's view on the situation at Tregeseal Stone Circle by davidmorgan on Friday, 17 June 2011
      (User Info | Send a Message)
      I don't understand why they don't dehorn them before letting them out amongst the public. There's no need for them to have horns.
      Although that won't stop them rubbing against the stones.
      [ Reply to This ]

CASPN's view on the situation at Tregeseal Stone Circle by Andy B on Thursday, 31 March 2011
(User Info | Send a Message)
I have a response from the chair of the Cornish Ancient Sites Protection Network (CASPN) regarding this issue

CASPN: CASPN has visited the site twice in the last week and has confirmed that one stone in particular is loose and now leaning rather badly. As we understand it, English Heritage representatives visited the site yesterday (Tuesday) to assess the situation. We do not yet know the result of their visit, or what steps they intend to take, but their representative has in the past argued that the stones in the circle are in very shallow soil and with a spell of dry weather they do get loose anyway.

AB: If the stones are in very shallow soil I wouldn't have thought allowing the additional risk from cattle was a good idea?

CASPN: Agreed, CASPN made this point when we were originally consulted about the Scheme.

AB: I don't know if you saw this stone in Scotland that fell in January following the severe weather and has had to be excavated and re erected. (I'm not sure...

Read the rest of this post...
[ Reply to This ]

Video showing stone from Tregeseal Stone Circle destabilised by cattle rubbing by Andy B on Wednesday, 30 March 2011
(User Info | Send a Message)
[ Reply to This ]

Cattle destabilise stones of Tregeseal Stone Circle by Andy B on Wednesday, 30 March 2011
(User Info | Send a Message)
For the second time longhorn cattle introduced as part of a Higher Level Stewardship conservation grazing scheme onto Carnyorth Common near St Just have destabilised a stone of the ancient Tregeseal Circle – two years ago some 3 or 4 stones were loosened – after only a week or so being back on the Common after their winter ‘break’. (see photos above)

Clumps of cattle hair on many stones show that they are using them as rubbing posts.
It is only a matter of time before this herd of about 16 animals create more havoc.
That this has happened shows our concerns, relayed to Natural England several years ago, are fully justified that the presence of these animals will not only damage this important archaeological site but, as has been witnessed by local regular walkers of this moor, has also caused a dramatic drop in the number of walkers and horse riders over the past two years.

Save Penwith Moors consider the current Higher Level Stewardship agreement covering this Common –...

Read the rest of this post...
[ Reply to This ]
    Re: Cattle destabilise stones of Tregeseal Stone Circle by Andy B on Wednesday, 30 March 2011
    (User Info | Send a Message)
    Saturday 26th March update:

    Ian Cooke adds: On a walk this morning around this Common all the longhorns were in the back up fields having a morning meal; both gates were wide open. The loose stone at Tregeseal Circle has developed a severe lean and all cattle hair has been removed from the stones.
    [ Reply to This ]

BBC Radio 4 Open Country about Conservation Grazing in Cornwall by Andy B on Monday, 20 September 2010
(User Info | Send a Message)
Helen Mark is in Cornwall to find out why the reintroduction of cattle to graze the Penwith Moors of Cornwall and improve the area's bio-diversity has upset some of the local community. She meets up with archaeologist Craig Weatherhill at the Tregeseal Stone Circle to hear about the damage he says is being caused to these ancient monuments by the horns of the non-native Longhorn breed of cattle being grazed on the moors. Craig also tells Helen about the difficulties faced by horses and their riders from the newly erected gates and fences which they have to pass through.

At Carn Galva, one of Cornwall's most unique and pre-historic landscapes, Helen meets up with Peter Bowden from Natural England and Jon Brookes of the National Trust who explain the reasons for the conservation grazing scheme and how important it is to this ancient landscape. This heathland is of national and international importance and the grazing scheme is intended to open up footpaths the natural way, avoiding...

Read the rest of this post...
[ Reply to This ]

Parliamentary Ombudsman bears down on Natural England following complaint by Andy B on Wednesday, 15 September 2010
(User Info | Send a Message)
Ian Cooke writes:

During May 2010 the Co-ordinator of Save Penwith Moors submitted a dossier to the Parliamentary Ombudsman - via our Member of Parliament - alleging that Natural England had failed to implement legally binding articles of the Aarhus Convention and subsequent European Directives regarding early public participation in the planning and execution of the HEATH Project and Higher Level Stewardship schemes in West Penwith while options were still open, and that this lack of consultation resulted in the local community being faced with a fait accompli in the form of numerous new gates, cattle grids, barbed wire fencing and grazing cattle that had ruined the perception of open unobstructed wilderness in an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and that this had resulted in restricted access for the disabled, walkers and horse riders. It was also alleged that Natural England was guilty of maladministration of the Higher Level Stewardship agreement covering Carnyorth Common.
...

Read the rest of this post...
[ Reply to This ]

Grazing sparks shootout in wild West by Andy B on Wednesday, 21 April 2010
(User Info | Send a Message)
Second instalment of the article from the Western Morning News:

Could a few cattle and a handful of ponies really cause such a row? From the outside it seems too crazy to contemplate but as conservationists in Cornwall and Scilly are finding, the answer is a loud yes.

To get an overview from the anti-grazing perspective, I talked to Save Penwith Moors campaign co-ordinator Ian McNeil Cooke who told me there was particular concern over the proposed enclosure of three popular, archaeologically-rich areas that have always had open access: Nine Maidens Common, near Madron; Carn Kenidjack, above St Just and Carn Galva, above Bosigran.

"One of our big problems is that Natural England and the National Trust have chosen the very areas that are the most popularly used, while at same time leaving alone similar environment where virtually nobody goes," Mr McNeil Cooke said.

"The management of this project has been abysmal. Natural England doesn't understand the perception of the...

Read the rest of this post...
[ Reply to This ]

Re: Feelings are running high in battle over wild places by LINCOOK on Wednesday, 14 April 2010
(User Info | Send a Message)
Thank you all for your attention to this issue. I can assure you that none of your information is overstated. The Save Penwith Moors protest group are and have always been the most respectful, intelligent, non-confrontational and reasonable bunch of nice people you could wish to meet. The salient point is that they are right; Natural England, Cornwall Council et al know this and always have. It is the familiar scenario of moneypots over-riding sanity and democracy.
Personally I have wept over what has been done here; it is a diabolical affront to all who love this land.
Please keep this issue in the arena of justice and good sense that I know this site to be. It might be your favourite area next.
( Coldrum - absolutely not! The few stands of scrub willow which have had the audacity to grow are to be removed in case they should 'take over') - I ask you!
[ Reply to This ]

Re: Feelings are running high in battle over wild places by coldrum on Wednesday, 07 April 2010
(User Info | Send a Message)
Lets be honest how much of the countryside is really natural. Since the Neolithic, man has been messing about with it. Many of the beauty spots that are popular with holiday makers are the result of man changing the landscape in various ways.
A truely natural Britian would be mostly covered in forests, as it was after the last Ice age. Now that would be something.
[ Reply to This ]

Feelings are running high in battle over wild places by Andy B on Wednesday, 07 April 2010
(User Info | Send a Message)
Feelings are running high in battle over wild places

Few debacles in rural Britain fit the "contested landscape" label quite so accurately as the grazing war that feature both today and next week in the Western Morning News.

The Contested Landscape series is giving the controversy a double bill because it is one of the biggest rows presently erupting over the wilder parts of our countryside – and unless the issue is solved here in the pinch-point of the Westcountry, it could spill over to hamper environmental work for decades to come.

Increasingly in recent years, an environmental measure called "conservation grazing" has been regarded by many as the Holy Grail that will ensure the continued good health of many of Britain's wild places.

But now an angry backlash has begun. Some people don't like conservation grazing – or, at least, they don't like the measures or impositions that come with it.

Whether it's the unsightly nuisance of electric fences in previously empty...

Read the rest of this post...
[ Reply to This ]

How good is this? by SteveDut on Tuesday, 30 March 2010
(User Info | Send a Message)
First of all, a lazy ex fire chief/local farmer who had been asked to clear the gorse around the stones was retained fireman Station Officer Clive Williams & Anne Preston-Jones of the council's environment service - sets fire to the place cause they didn't do their job properly for years and yet nothing else said but "The lichens, gorse and heather will grow back again. In all honesty I don't think the damage is as bad as it might at first look." Boo - hiss - golliwog

Then next is a landowner who has some cows that he grazes on what should be a "heritage site" and the poor cow cops the serving? Why isn't the cow owner bent over the chair waiting for the paddlebat? Aren't there laws there about trespassing and responsibility of possessions? Isn't Tregeseal part of your heritage and therefore owned by everyone?

Don't blame a cow for what a cow does but frown on the human owner for not thinking of the need of the many and not of the one, we all should have the logic, compassion...

Read the rest of this post...
[ Reply to This ]

Re: An by Anonymous on Wednesday, 24 March 2010
Beware walking through fields with bulls in. My friends grandfather was killed by a bull in a field. Best to go round the field. Bulls can kill people. They are also completely insane and do the most unpredictable things. Best avoided . . .
[ Reply to This ]

Save Penwith Moors by Andy B on Wednesday, 24 March 2010
(User Info | Send a Message)
More in our forum
http://www.megalithic.co.uk/modules.php?op=modload&name=Forum&file=viewtopic&topic=3872&forum=1&start=0
and please vote in our cow poll
http://www.megalithic.co.uk/pollBooth.php?pollID=67
[ Reply to This ]

An "ill informed cow fearing protest group"! by Andy B on Wednesday, 24 March 2010
(User Info | Send a Message)
To add a bit of balance, the 'cow lobby' are calling Save Penwith Moors an "ill informed cow fearing protest group"!
http://www.stackyard.com/news/2010/02/environment/07_penwith_moors.html

The Heath project (the funnel through which the European and lottery money is being fed) have a site here
http://www.theheathproject.org.uk/news.html?newsId=23&page=1

They have a leaflet "for members of the public, whether excited or daunted by the prospect of meeting livestock on their favourite walk, this 'Top Tips' leaflet offers expert advice" which they hope "will help people to understand and enjoy seeing grazing animals at their local heathland sites."

http://www.theheathproject.org.uk/content_pdf/en/Top_Tips_for_Walking_Amongst_Livestock_leaflet1217253726.pdf

They also have an archaeology leaflet "Be guided through 6000 years of history in West Penwith"
http://www.theheathproject.org.uk/news.html?newsId=29&page=1

No shortage of money keeping PR people in gainful...

Read the rest of this post...
[ Reply to This ]

Natural England brand campaign group vexatious, obsessive, harassing, rude over FOI by Andy B on Wednesday, 24 March 2010
(User Info | Send a Message)
Ian Cooke, the coordinator for Save Penwith Moors has just written the following about an extraordinary response they have received from the Natural England Truro office:

Natural England Truro office now refuse to release documents to us requested under Freedom of Information as being “manifestly unreasonable” and not in the public interest.

Their letter includes words such as: “vexatious requests”, “obsessive”, “harassing the authority”, and “causing distress to staff”. We are accused of being “rude and disrespectful”, ridiculing Natural England staff, not reporting meetings and replies accurately, implying that Natural England officers “do not know what they are doing”. They also complain that Natural England staff “were repeatedly questioned at Forum meetings often aggressively”.

It is clear that NE have thin skins and are not used to being persistently challenged: they are losing the intellectual argument as put forward by SPM and now seek to marginalize us and the...

Read the rest of this post...
[ Reply to This ]

Unlawful obstruction to public footpath to stay in place by Andy B on Monday, 22 March 2010
(User Info | Send a Message)
Following complaints by members of the public to installation of a cattle grid across the
complete width of a public footpath (St Just 147) on Carnyorth Common, so causing a
potential danger to walkers, especially those with dogs or small children whose legs can get
trapped in the grid, and preventing people from exercising their legal right to use this path,
Save Penwith Moors issued a formal complaint to Cornwall Council [Mike Eastwood].

The complaint was considered by both the Living Environment Manager [Steve Crummay]
and the Council Legal Services team, the view being that [direct quote] “the cattle-grid is an
unlawful obstruction on the public footpath” and was classified as a Priority Four „offence of
nuisance‟. Despite this the Council stated that financial restraints meant that the issue was
unlikely to be tackled in the near future – if at all.

Save Penwith Moors considered this was not acceptable and asked for the issue to be dealt
with as a Priority Two...

Read the rest of this post...
[ Reply to This ]

Cattle potentially endangering Stone Circle by Andy B on Monday, 22 March 2010
(User Info | Send a Message)
The longhorn cattle on Carnyorth moor have been photographed on several occasions grazing inside Tregeseal prehistoric stone circle and using the stones as rubbing posts. Not only is there a very real possibility that some of the stones will be dislodged but that their presence will also intimidate visitors.

The Historic Environment Service of Cornwall Council have been informed by the following email (sent 17/6/2009 18.49; read by Attmere Lauren of HES 18/6/2009 7.41).
“As a partner of the HEATH Project you are doubtless aware that a group of longhorn cattle are now grazing Carnyorth Moor, They have been seen and photographed on several different days within the stone circle that seems to act as a magnet, and also using the stones as rubbing posts. Can you assure me that someone from the HES will be monitoring this site on a regular basis for any damage - as you know some of the stones are hardly embedded in the soil. If there is any damage to the circle then our group will...

Read the rest of this post...
[ Reply to This ]

Grazing 'stopping moor walkers' by Andy B on Monday, 22 March 2010
(User Info | Send a Message)
A scheme allowing cattle to graze on moors is spoiling land and discouraging walkers, moor users in Cornwall say.

Under the Natural England Environmental Stewardship Scheme, cattle are allowed to graze on land, often near footpaths, in a bid to encourage wildlife.

The Save Penwith Moors group said it had resulted in more fences being erected. Occasional confrontations with grazing animals have also occurred.

Natural England said the scheme helped endangered species flourish

Conservationists said grazing helped protect the natural habitat because it controlled undergrowth, which encouraged insects, which, in turn, helped feed other birds and animals.

However, walkers said that allowing animals more grazing land resulted in the building of obstacles on moors that had been open for generations.

Moor users said there had been confrontations with animals

Ian Cooke, of the Save Penwith Moors group, said: "In the last year, the Natural England project has erected cattle...

Read the rest of this post...
[ Reply to This ]

Re: Tregeseal E by TheCaptain on Saturday, 28 February 2004
(User Info | Send a Message)
Surely there are still at least 18 of the 19 stones in the circle ??

Condition:
Ambience:
Access:
[ Reply to This ]

Re: Tregeseal E by Vicky on Friday, 27 February 2004
(User Info | Send a Message)
ANGER AFTER CONTROLLED FIRE SCORCHES ANCIENT STONES

This is Cornwall reports this story (26 February 2004):

An ancient stone circle near St Just has been scorched black by flames following a "controlled" gorse fire.

The 4,500-year-old Bronze Age circle at Tregeseal, located in a designated "Environmentally Sensitive Area" on the Penwith moors, was burnt on Saturday afternoon.

The local farmer who had been asked to clear the gorse around the stones was retained fireman Station Officer Clive Williams, who has a management agreement with the county council's Historic Environment Service to keep the circle and pathways clear of gorse.

He started the controlled fire to clear gorse that was encroaching on to the circle on the advice of Anne Preston-Jones, of the council's environment service.
But angry locals and members of West Cornwall's pagan moot, who have been caring for the circle over the past decades, say that five of the ancient standing stones have been scorched...

Read the rest of this post...
[ Reply to This ]
    Re: Tregeseal E by ocifant on Friday, 27 February 2004
    (User Info | Send a Message)
    I'll be there the week after next. I'll try to get some updated photos...
    [ Reply to This ]
    Re: Tregeseal E by TheCaptain on Saturday, 28 February 2004
    (User Info | Send a Message)
    A couple of little comments

    Firstly, the gorse etc was so overgrown here July 2003, that I could not get to the circle. I will post photo.

    Secondly, surely the gorse around here would have burned many hundreds of times over the past few thousand years ? Its only natural, and indeed the gorse probably burns less these days.
    [ Reply to This ]
    Re: Tregeseal E by Spindrift on Saturday, 20 March 2004
    (User Info | Send a Message)
    This is, unfortunately, typical of local authorities acting in ignorance.

    Occasionally rare lichens are found on stones, hence Lichenologists love of old graveyards. To burn away the gorse without a proper survey was foolish; also the stones could have been protected during the burn if that was deemed the only way to clear the site.

    It is possibly true that the site has been burnt before - but repeated heating and cooling of the stones will do nothing to preserve them. Each burn will act on any lines of weakness and eventually split them.
    [ Reply to This ]

Your Name: Anonymous [ Register Now ]
Subject:


Add your comment or contribution to this page. Spam or offensive posts are deleted immediately, don't even bother

<<< What is five plus one as a number? (Please type the answer to this question in the little box on the left)
You can also embed videos and other things. For Youtube please copy and paste the 'embed code'.
For Google Street View please include Street View in the text.
Create a web link like this: <a href="https://www.megalithic.co.uk">This is a link</a>  

Allowed HTML is:
<p> <b> <i> <a> <img> <em> <br> <strong> <blockquote> <tt> <li> <ol> <ul> <object> <param> <embed> <iframe>
We would like to know more about this location. Please feel free to add a brief description and any relevant information in your own language.
Wir möchten mehr über diese Stätte erfahren. Bitte zögern Sie nicht, eine kurze Beschreibung und relevante Informationen in Deutsch hinzuzufügen.
Nous aimerions en savoir encore un peu sur les lieux. S'il vous plaît n'hesitez pas à ajouter une courte description et tous les renseignements pertinents dans votre propre langue.
Quisieramos informarnos un poco más de las lugares. No dude en añadir una breve descripción y otros datos relevantes en su propio idioma.