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<< Our Photo Pages >> Leskernick Hill Row - Stone Row / Alignment in England in Cornwall

Submitted by TheCaptain on Tuesday, 01 October 2002  Page Views: 11241

Neolithic and Bronze AgeSite Name: Leskernick Hill Row
Country: England County: Cornwall Type: Stone Row / Alignment
Nearest Town: Launceston  Nearest Village: Bolventor
Map Ref: SX1884979885  Landranger Map Number: 201
Latitude: 50.590518N  Longitude: 4.560607W
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
2 Ambience:
5Superb
4Good
3Ordinary
2Not Good
1Awful
0No data.
3 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.
2 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

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SandyG visited on 27th Jun 2017 - their rating: Cond: 2 Amb: 5 Access: 3 I had the great fortune of being shown around the row by Roy Goutté and some members of the TimeSeekers Clearance Group, who were responsible for revealing many of the stones. I would like to thank them for their hospitality and sharing their considerable knowledge of the site. It was a pleasure to meet such interesting people. This row has recently been partially cleared and recorded by the TimeSeekers Clearance Group led by Roy Goutté who found previously unrecorded stones and a possible cist. This work also revealed a visual treat which is certainly worth mentioning. Along the entire length of the row until the western end is reached at a point they call The Terminal, Brown Gelly complete with cairn on top is completely invisible. However, at the Terminal the cairn at the top of Brown Gelly is suddenly revealed though the hill itself remains hidden from view (Goutté, 2016, 3) Another example of a very precise visual relationship between a row and its landscape. The cumulative evidence for these visual links illustrates that the stone rows were carefully placed within the landscape to acknowledge and celebrate them. Goutté notes a second visual link available from The Terminal. At this point he notes that Brown Willy is perfectly framed in the saddle of rising ground” (Goutté, 2016, 2). This is reminiscent of the view available from the lower end of the Yar Tor stone alignment on Dartmoor. In common with all the longer rows this alignment is far from straight and Goutté has identified a point close to the tinners’ gully where the orientation of the row shifts. This point may have been of particular significance to the row builders or may indicate an extension to the original row. Limited parking is available at SX 20389 80372. From here follow the path westward to the row.

TheCaptain have visited here

Leskernick Hill Row
Leskernick Hill Row submitted by thecaptain : The three fairly large flat slabs at the western end. View here looking east along the stone row, one of which can clearly be seen. (Vote or comment on this photo)
Near to the eastern edge of Bodmin Moor, there is a stone row on the saddle of land between Leskernick Hill to the north and Beacon Hill to the south, which runs in a west to east direction away from near to the quite large cairn between the two Leskernick stone circles.

This stone row is recorded in the RCMH Bodmin Moor survey as being 317 metres in length, with 0.2 metre tall stones spaced at 4.5 metre intervals, running between SX 1870 7986 to SX 1901 7991, with a possible stone setting at the western end.

I found three fairly large flat slabs in about the right place for the western end, and assumed that these are the “stone setting” at the western end. Following the supposed line of the row towards the east from here, I only found three or four more stones standing above the long grass, and about half a dozen more stones in total, but I suspect that with more time to hunt around, many more could be found when the grass is shorter, and if it had been a drier summer.

At about the middle of the row, the ground is much disturbed, I assume by ancient tin mining from several hundred years ago. Although one or two possible row stones could be seen in this, I could find nothing more of the row to the east of here.

Update November 2019: This alignment is featured on the Stone Rows of Great Britain website - see their entry for Leskernick, which includes a description, simplified plans of the stone row, its cist and terminal feature, photographs of the row and the individual stones, access information and a list of online resources for more information.

The SRoGB also includes photographs illustrating the different landscape reveals which come into play as you progress along the row, adding: "The most significant landscape reveal is however provided at the western end of the row where the cairns on the summit of Brown Gelly appear only as you reach the terminal. These cairns are hidden from view along the entire length of the row making an appearance only at the end. When there it feels as if the terminal point was chosen to provide and celebrate this significant reveal".

The row is also recorded as Pastscape Monument No. 433037 and as HER 3195 (LESKERNICK - Neolithic stone alignment, Bronze Age stone alignment) on the Cornwall and Scilly HER. The row is also scheduled as Historic England List Entry No. 1461019 (Leskernick stone alignment).
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Leskernick Hill Row
Leskernick Hill Row submitted by thecaptain : Looking back westwards along the Leskernick stone row, as the sun was getting low in the sky. The row "starts" near to the fairly large cairn mid picture, while the magnificent Brown Willy looms in the background. (Vote or comment on this photo)

Leskernick Hill Row
Leskernick Hill Row submitted by thecaptain : The three fairly large flat slabs at the western end of Leskernick Hill Stone Row. View here looking south towards Beacon Hill. (1 comment - Vote or comment on this photo)

Leskernick Hill Row
Leskernick Hill Row submitted by thecaptain : The three fairly large flat slabs at the western end. View here looking north across the moor. (Vote or comment on this photo)

Leskernick Hill Row
Leskernick Hill Row submitted by SandyG : The most significant landscape reveal is provided at the western end of the row where the cairns on the summit of Brown Gelly appear only as you reach the terminal. These cairns are hidden from view along the entire length of the row making an appearance only at the end. When there it feels as if the terminal point was chosen to provide and celebrate this significant reveal. (Vote or comment on this photo)

Leskernick Hill Row
Leskernick Hill Row submitted by SandyG : Further east and the cairn drops below the skyline. Walking westward along the row the cairn seem to emerge from the ground.

Leskernick Hill Row
Leskernick Hill Row submitted by SandyG : Looking west along the row. The cairn and Brown Willy appear together on the skyline.

Leskernick Hill Row
Leskernick Hill Row submitted by SandyG : View from the east.

Leskernick Hill Row
Leskernick Hill Row submitted by SandyG : Looking west along the row. Only the summit of Brown Willy is visible.

Leskernick Hill Row
Leskernick Hill Row submitted by SandyG : Looking west along the row. At this point the row seems to point at the cairn but then shifts to avoid it.

Leskernick Hill Row
Leskernick Hill Row submitted by SandyG : Looking west along the row. The sinuous form of the row is apparent, whilst the row seems to deviate to avoid the cairn.

Leskernick Hill Row
Leskernick Hill Row submitted by SandyG : Looking west along the row.

Leskernick Hill Row
Leskernick Hill Row submitted by SandyG : The western length of the row. The nearby cairn sits on the near skyline and Brown Willy is visible beyond.

Leskernick Hill Row
Leskernick Hill Row submitted by SandyG : The western terminal includes three substantial recumbent orthostats. View from east.

Leskernick Hill Row
Leskernick Hill Row submitted by SandyG : Looking east along the row in the vicinity of the later tinwork.

Leskernick Hill Row
Leskernick Hill Row submitted by SandyG : Looking east along the row.

Leskernick Hill Row
Leskernick Hill Row submitted by SandyG

Leskernick Hill Row
Leskernick Hill Row submitted by SandyG : Reconstruction showing what the row may have looked like. Looking east along the row. The sinuous form of the row is clear.

Leskernick Hill Row
Leskernick Hill Row submitted by SandyG : Looking east along the row.

Leskernick Hill Row
Leskernick Hill Row submitted by TheCaptain : The eastern end of the stone row, looking west. Brown Willy looking splendid on the horizon.

Leskernick Hill Row
Leskernick Hill Row submitted by TheCaptain : Just before the end is a brown muddy patch, which has obviously been dug open and covered back with "turves", and I suspect this is the site of the possible cist and chamber.

Leskernick Hill Row
Leskernick Hill Row submitted by TheCaptain : Walking east along the stone row. It is quite incredible to see all the stones now visible in the row, compared to the very few I could make out on my previous visits.

Leskernick Hill Row
Leskernick Hill Row submitted by TheCaptain : Looking west along the stone row. It is quite incredible to see all the stones now visible in the row, compared to the very few I could make out on my previous visits.

Leskernick Hill Row
Leskernick Hill Row submitted by TheCaptain : Looking east along the stone row. It is quite incredible to see all the stones now visible in the row, compared to the very few I could make out on my previous visits.

Leskernick Hill Row
Leskernick Hill Row submitted by TheCaptain : The stone setting at the western end of the stone row. t is quite incredible to see all the stones now visible in the row, compared to the very few I could make out on my previous visits.

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Nearby sites listing. In the following links * = Image available
 163m WSW 237° Leskernick* Ancient Village or Settlement (SX18717980)
 181m WSW 247° Leskernick cairn* Cairn (SX18687982)
 247m S 185° Leskernick SE* Stone Circle (SX18827964)
 270m W 275° Leskernick NW* Stone Circle (SX18587992)
 511m W 281° Leskernick Hill Settlement* Ancient Village or Settlement (SX18358000)
 550m W 262° Leskernick cist* Cist (SX18307983)
 599m WNW 292° Leskernick 2* Natural Stone / Erratic / Other Natural Feature (SX1829880125)
 651m WNW 297° Leskernick Quoit* Natural Stone / Erratic / Other Natural Feature (SX1827980202)
 703m NW 309° Leskernick Hill cairn* Cairn (SX18328035)
 875m NNE 19° Westmoor Cairns* Cairn (SX19178070)
 923m ESE 117° The Beacon Cist* Cist (SX19667944)
 995m S 178° Trezelland stone setting* Standing Stones (SX18857889)
 1.0km SE 124° The Beacon Cairns* Cairn (SX19677928)
 1.1km SE 138° Elephant Rock* Natural Stone / Erratic / Other Natural Feature (SX19557905)
 1.6km NE 39° West Moor Possible Menhir* Standing Stone (Menhir) (SX1987081077)
 1.6km ENE 57° Westmoorgate circle* Stone Circle (SX20258073)
 1.7km NE 52° Westmoorgate cairn* Cairn (SX2020680866)
 2.1km SW 229° Catshole Quoit* Chambered Tomb (SX17227856)
 2.3km NW 320° Buttern Hill Cairns* Cairn (SX17478167)
 2.3km N 359° Bray Down Cairns* Cairn (SX18908216)
 2.3km SSW 198° Tolborough Standing Stone* Standing Stone (Menhir) (SX1807877741)
 2.3km SW 224° Catshole Downs long cairn* Chambered Cairn (SX172783)
 2.4km SSW 212° Tolborough Tor Cairn* Cairn (SX175779)
 2.4km SSW 211° Tolborough Tor stone row* Stone Row / Alignment (SX17547787)
 2.5km E 97° Spettigue Menhir* Standing Stone (Menhir) (SX21307952)
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"Leskernick Hill Row" | Login/Create an Account | 4 News and Comments
  
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Leskernick stone row clearance report by Andy B on Friday, 30 November 2018
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Roy G writes (May 2017): Some Leskernick updates for you.

Here is the link to the Leskernick stone row clearance. We had a fabulous time out there and when I say 'out there' I really mean it. This must be one of the least most visited parts of Bodmin Moor even though its only a 20 minute walk from Westmoorgate to the east. The views from ground level are spectacular and from the top of Leskernick Hill unbelievable. Do visit as there is now so much to see. This is a special place with the most wonderful mainly Bronze-Age Settlement on the hill itself.

https://files.acrobat.com/a/preview/8abea351-e6b0-43dc-a7c7-40dce266992f

Also here is the link to my completed Field Report of Leskernick's South stone circle.
https://files.acrobat.com/a/preview/fae48890-2b80-4642-81eb-3c6a9d25aa59

And the link to the Leskernick North Circle clearance report:
https://files.acrobat.com/a/preview/ac734639-463f-4001-8818-8858d09fe665

Summary:
https://theheritagetrust.wordpress.com/2016/06/30/leskernick-stone-circles-and-stone-row-clearance-update/

Cheers
Roy
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Re: Leskernick Hill Row by Andy B on Wednesday, 29 November 2017
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Extract from STONE WORLDS, ALTERNATIVE NARRATIVES, NESTED LANDSCAPES by Barbara Bender, Sue Hamilton, Christopher Tilley

Our initial interpretation is that the stone row and circles out on the plain began to be constructed towards the end of the Neolithic, ie. the early 3rd millennium BC and were used by populations who visited and used the area on a seasonal basis, probably during the summer months. The houses, enclosures, and small cairns on the southern slopes of Leskernick were then built at a somewhat later date. This represents the first permanent settling of this area of Bodmin Moor. The houses were set at a reserved distance above the earlier stone monuments which remained in use. The first inhabitants of the settlement on Leskernick Hill thus created and maintained links with the past. We think that the settlement on the western side of the hill, situated away from the Late Neolithic monuments, may be later in date.

The stone row is just over 300 m in length, oriented ENE-WSW and terminates at a 'U'-shaped formation of three substantial, part turf-covered, recumbent stones just short of the cairn. The rest of the row consists of 47 small, low, and square-topped stones, mostly less than knee-height. The eastern part of the stone row is irregular with gaps, and clusters of stones lying out of axis of the alignment. Approximately two-thirds along the length of the stone row, walking towards the terminal, the row crosses a boggy area which has been modified by tin-streaming. The land surface then gently rises up to the terminal at the south-west end and the stones have a more regular alignment. Two questions which arise are whether this disalignment was original or something which the row had subsequently suffered? Was the topographic point at which the disalignment took place significant? It is only immediately after crossing the boggy area, moving west towards the terminal setting, that the tip of Rough Tor first comes into view in the far distance, becoming more and more visually dominant as one approaches the terminal. It seems, therefore, that both the disalignment of the row at this point, and the place at which it crosses water, are of great significance in relation to what is undoubtedly one of the most important tors and prehistoric settlement areas on Bodmin Moor (see Tilley 1996; in press).

The row is not directly aligned on either of the two stone circles or the cairn, but all are intervisible, The two circles and the cairn are more or less directly in alignment with each other and the (invisible) large cairn, on the top of Leskernick Hill. Since the stone circles are probably earlier than the cairn on the top of the hill the position of this cairn must have been fixed in relation to that of the circles. This might, in turn, suggest that the hilltop cairn and that built down below near to stone row terminal were both contemporary with each other and at some stage the stone row, stone circles, and cairns all formed components of an interconnected group of monuments.

The two stone circles are c. 350 m apart. The shapes of the stones appear similar to those used to construct the stone row. The southern circle, slightly better preserved, has a diameter of 30 m and consists of 20-22 stones, with possibly originally as many as 30. One is a low stump, the rest have fallen (Barnatt 1980, 17). The northern circle is marginally smaller. There are 14-15 visible fallen stones and low stumps around its circumference. Other stones, in the middle, may have been dislodged from their original positions. In the middle of this circle is a massive recumbent stone. If it ever stood, it would have been over 2 m in height and would make a quite dramatic impression on the prehistoric landscape. However, on close inspection it appears to be an earthfast boulder. The incorporation of this stone within the centre of the northern circle complements the evidence, discussed below, that 'natural' stones, their position, and shape, constituted an extremely important part of

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Re: Leskernick Hill Row by TheCaptain on Tuesday, 20 June 2017
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Notes from a visit April 2017

Getting to the stone setting at the western end of the stone row, it is quite incredible to see all the stones now visible in the row, compared to the very few I could make out on my previous visits. Good work Roy et al.

I walk briskly along the line of the row, not stopping to look in any detail, as I am still being followed by the squadron of fighter sheep. Stone after stone pass below me, as I make it to the tinners gulley and am luckily able to simply cross just upstream from the line of the row. I continue eastwards along the line of the row, and thankfully it seems the sheep are not crossing the tinners gully, but I'm not stopping now.

I continue along the row, which continues for a couple of hundred yards before I find no more stones. Just before the end is a brown muddy patch, which has obviously been dug open and covered back with "turves", and I suspect this is the site of the possible cist and chamber. I take a last waypoint at the eastern end of the row, and notice the sheep have thankfully not followed me here, so stop to take a couple of pictures, and collect my thoughts.
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Re: Leskernick Hill Row by TheCaptain on Saturday, 27 October 2012
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Dad was enjoying it out here on the moor, and after I told him of the other circles and settlements at Leskernick, he was keen to go and see those. As it was a nice sunny afternoon, but with horrible storms forecast for later and the next few days, it was decided to spend a bit longer out on the moor while the weather was good.

So we headed off west so I could show Dad the two Leskernick circles and other things. We started off by trying to find some remnants of the stone row, but attempting to find this from the east proved impossible. We did however find a good selection of horses and cattle to make our way around.

We only found a couple of the larger upper stones of the row, and the setting of three large slabs which is possibly the western end.
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