Featured: Ark of Secrets - Neolithic spirit alive in the Middle Ages

Ark of Secrets - Neolithic spirit alive in the Middle Ages

Secrets of the Avebury Stones

Secrets of the Avebury Stones

Who's Online

There are currently, 339 guests and 1 members online.

You are a guest. To join in, please register for free by clicking here

Sponsors

<< Our Photo Pages >> Men Scryfa - Early Christian Sculptured Stone in England in Cornwall

Submitted by Andy B on Monday, 05 June 2023  Page Views: 20155

Multi-periodSite Name: Men Scryfa
Country: England County: Cornwall Type: Early Christian Sculptured Stone
Nearest Town: Penzance  Nearest Village: Madron
Map Ref: SW42693530  Landranger Map Number: 203
Latitude: 50.161764N  Longitude: 5.604119W
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
4 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

PAB would like to visit

micske visited on 14th Jan 2024 - their rating: Cond: 3 Amb: 4 Access: 4

hallsifer visited on 19th Feb 2023 - their rating: Cond: 3 Amb: 4 Access: 2 Still a great stone, tried to take a rubbing of the carvings but didn't manage too.

bishop_pam visited on 24th Nov 2022 - their rating: Cond: 4 Amb: 4 Access: 3 As we reached this stone the heavens opened!

LiveAndrew visited on 20th Jan 2022 - their rating: Cond: 3 Amb: 3 Access: 3

hallsifer visited on 22nd Sep 2021 - their rating: Cond: 5 Amb: 3 Access: 3 Beautiful inscribed stone, though it does appear to be in a farmer's field. The inscribed markings are sometimes hard to see if it's overcast.

LiveAndrew visited on 19th Aug 2021 - their rating: Cond: 4 Amb: 4 Access: 3

SandyG visited on 15th Sep 2019 - their rating: Cond: 4 Amb: 4 Access: 4

lucasn visited - their rating: Cond: 5 Amb: 4 Access: 3

LiveAndrew celticmaiden55 coin Bladup JimChampion AngieLake TheCaptain cazzyjane have visited here

Average ratings for this site from all visit loggers: Condition: 3.88 Ambience: 3.75 Access: 3.13

Men Scryfa
Men Scryfa submitted by dodomad : James Kitto from CASPN, the Cornish Ancient Sites Protection Network writes: On Thursday, CASPN received a very concerning message from a member of the public that there had been an attack on Mên Scryfa, an inscribed stone, and probably formerly a Bronze Age menhir that stands below Carn Galva. Someone had poured petrol (or similar liquid) over the top of the stone and set it on fire - black... (Vote or comment on this photo)
A inscribed standing stone in Cornwall. The name Men Scryfa translates simply as 'Inscribed Stone', and is 2 metres high. It probably dates from the Bronze Age and was inscribed around the 5th or 6th century CE to commemorate the death in battle of a royal warrior. The northern face bears the inscription 'RIALOBRANI CUNOVALI FILI' which in Cornish means 'Royal Raven son of the Glorious Prince'.

Access This stone stands close to the Men-an-Tol, which is signposted from the lane leading north from Madron. Walk up the track from the lane, past the stile to the Men an Tol on your right, and a little further on the stone is obvious in a field to your left.

Note: Senseless attack on Men Scryfa as the top is charred and what looks like an attempt to topple it made
You may be viewing yesterday's version of this page. To see the most up to date information please register for a free account.


Men Scryfa
Men Scryfa submitted by Bladup : A lovely purple sky after sunset at Men Scryfa. (Vote or comment on this photo)

Men Scryfa
Men Scryfa submitted by enkidu41 : Cornwall SW 4269 3530 The 'Inscribed Stone' is 2m high. It probably dates from the Bronze Age but was inscribed around the 5th or 6th century CE to commemorate the death in battle of a royal warrior. The northern face bears the inscription 'RIALOBRANI CUNOVALI FILI' which in Cornish means 'Royal Raven son of the Glorious Prince' (2 comments - Vote or comment on this photo)

Men Scryfa
Men Scryfa submitted by JimChampion : The inscribed side of the stone, obliquely illuminated by the setting sun. The inscription stands out reasonably clearly but you'll still need to use your imagination a bit to see "RIALOBRANI CUNOVALI FILI". (Vote or comment on this photo)

Men Scryfa
Men Scryfa submitted by Morrigan23 : Mên Scrifa showing inscribed side "Rialobranus son of Cunovalus." (Vote or comment on this photo)

Men Scryfa
Men Scryfa submitted by BazCross : Midsummer dawn at the Men Scryfa standing stone. The oblique angle of the newly risen sun helps pick out the inscription (Vote or comment on this photo)

Men Scryfa
Men Scryfa submitted by TheCaptain : Men Scryfa Inscribed standing stone near the Men-an-tol. July 2003

Men Scryfa
Men Scryfa submitted by TheCaptain : Men Scryfa Inscribed standing stone near the Men-an-tol. The inscription reads RIALOBRAN CUNOVAL FIL (1 comment)

Men Scryfa
Men Scryfa submitted by Bladup : An artwork i own (and like) of Men Scryfa (with Carn Galver in the background) by Lesley Ninnes

Men Scryfa
Men Scryfa submitted by Horatio : Men Scryfa - 'stone with writing' with Carn Galver behind.

Men Scryfa
Men Scryfa submitted by lucasn : The top of Men Scryfa aligning with the middle of Carn Galva

Men Scryfa
Men Scryfa submitted by DrNickLeB : SW 42697 35310 (by GPS).

Men Scryfa
Men Scryfa submitted by coin  : The stone, and the cows,

Men Scryfa
Men Scryfa submitted by ken1953clark : Taken in 1999 when i was down for the eclipse. I think the lettering is easier to see in B&W

Men Scryfa
Men Scryfa submitted by knap : Men Scryfa with the wonderful Carn Galver in the background.

Men Scryfa
Men Scryfa submitted by knap : Men Scryfa's inscribed side, March 2007. (1 comment)

Men Scryfa
Men Scryfa submitted by Antonine : Men Scryfa in distance with Carn Galver behind, from the path in 2010.

Men Scryfa
Men Scryfa submitted by BazCross : June 2022. The angle of the sun and flat lighting was perfect for revealing the lettering on the stone. I've been here many times but this was best I've seen for several years.

Men Scryfa
Men Scryfa submitted by hallsifer : Photo of the stone - impressively tall! Someone left a small piece of bread on the top.

Men Scryfa
Men Scryfa submitted by hallsifer : Attempt to show the inscribed writing more clearly.

Men Scryfa
Men Scryfa submitted by LiveAndrew : Mên Scryfa nestling between the peaks of Carn Galva

Men Scryfa
Men Scryfa submitted by LiveAndrew : Men Scryfa showing inscription

Men Scryfa
Men Scryfa submitted by LiveAndrew : Mên Scryfa with Ding Dong mine on the horizon

Men Scryfa
Men Scryfa submitted by lucasn : Men Scryfa

Men Scryfa
Men Scryfa submitted by lucasn : Men Scryfa, looking towards the Carn Galva direction

These are just the first 25 photos of Men Scryfa. 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.

Stone Pages (Still Images) by Arosio and Meozzi


Turn off the page maps and other distractions

Nearby sites listing. In the following links * = Image available
 215m S 183° Men-an-tol Mound Cairn (SW4266835086)
 232m ESE 113° Venton Bebibell* Holy Well or Sacred Spring (SW429352)
 252m S 175° Men-an-tol Artificial Mound (SW4270135048)
 300m ENE 66° Four Parishes Rock* Sculptured Stone (SW42973541)
 361m S 185° Men-An-Tol* Holed Stone (SW4264434942)
 477m NE 35° Bosigran Barrows* Barrow Cemetery (SW42983568)
 577m SSW 207° Burnt Down Hut Circles* Ancient Village or Settlement (SW424348)
 578m E 88° Boskednan Menhir 2* Standing Stone (Menhir) (SW43273529)
 578m E 86° Boskednan A* Cairn (SW43273531)
 603m E 91° Boskednan B* Cairn (SW4329435260)
 620m N 356° Carn Galver* Round Barrow(s) (SW42683592)
 680m N 6° Carn Galver 2* Natural Stone / Erratic / Other Natural Feature (SW4279235973)
 700m E 98° Boskednan Menhir 1* Standing Stone (Menhir) (SW43383517)
 701m N 1° Carn Galver* Ancient Village or Settlement (SW42733600)
 711m WNW 301° Watch Croft Standing Stone* Standing Stone (Menhir) (SW421357)
 747m E 100° Boskednan stone circle* Stone Circle (SW43423513)
 767m WSW 243° Dakota Standing Stone* Standing Stone (Menhir) (SW41993498)
 777m NNW 337° White downs hut circle and pound* Ancient Village or Settlement (SW42423603)
 790m SSE 161° Bosiliack Huts N Ancient Village or Settlement (SW42913454)
 852m ENE 63° Little Galver Kerbcairns* Ring Cairn (SW43473565)
 864m N 357° Carn Galver 1* Natural Stone / Erratic / Other Natural Feature (SW4269236165)
 880m ESE 111° Boskednan 4* Cairn (SW43503495)
 883m WNW 294° Watch Croft Cairns* Cairn (SW419357)
 910m SSE 168° Bosiliack Huts* Ancient Village or Settlement (SW42833440)
 937m S 170° Bosiliack Settlement* Ancient Village or Settlement (SW42813437)
View more nearby sites and additional images

<< Golden Hill Roman Fort

Louisenlund Grove >>

Please add your thoughts on this site

Cornovia: Ancient Sites of Cornwall and Scilly, Craig Weatherhill

Cornovia: Ancient Sites of Cornwall and Scilly, Craig Weatherhill

Web Links for Men Scryfa

Stone Pages (Still Images) by Arosio and Meozzi

Sponsors

Auto-Translation (Google)

Translate from English into:

"Men Scryfa" | Login/Create an Account | 8 News and Comments
  
Go back to top of page    Comments are owned by the poster. We aren't responsible for their content.
Re: Men Scryfa by Anonymous on Friday, 09 June 2023
Myself and friends from the walking group the Hayle Meanderers discovered this on 31st May 2023. The opposite side from the burnt area had evidence of digging to a depth of about 20cm, as if an attempt was made to topple the stone. Once home I reported it to CASPN who reported it to the Devon and Cornwall Police. I later filled in a police report with photographs. PC Julian Fry is the officer dealing with this vandalism. If anyone knows any further details can they please contact him. Thank you.
[ Reply to This ]

Re: Men Scryfa by Andy B on Monday, 05 June 2023
(User Info | Send a Message)
James Kitto from CASPN, the Cornish Ancient Sites Protection Network writes: On Thursday, CASPN received a very concerning message from a member of the public that there had been an attack on Mên Scryfa, an inscribed stone, and probably formerly a Bronze Age menhir that stands below Carn Galva.

Someone had poured petrol (or similar liquid) over the top of the stone and set it on fire - blackening the top part of the stone’s north side and burning off all the lichen from that part of the stone. In addition, someone had also dug around the base of the stone to a depth of about 20cm (4”), presumably in an attempt to topple it.

CASPN immediately contacted the police and other authorities to report this mindless act of vandalism against a scheduled monument. I visited Mên Scryfa on Friday to see the damage for myself - and am just so shocked and disappointed that anyone would want to do such a thing to one of our precious ancient sites.
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=6280309525417986&set=gm.6688883254469167&idorvanity=137301386294086
[ Reply to This ]
    Re: Men Scryfa by artferret on Friday, 09 June 2023
    (User Info | Send a Message)
    When I saw this I couldn't believe it and got a report to James the next day. CASPN have an information board at Men an Tol nearby and do good work in our area of the world. I'm not sure why my comment came up as anonymous but never mind. What a senseless bit of vandalism!
    It featured on Radio Cornwall's Julia Skentlebery programme a few days ago,which can be heard on the BBC sounds app.
    [ Reply to This ]

Mên Scryfa by lucasn on Friday, 31 May 2019
(User Info | Send a Message)
[ Reply to This ]

Re: Men Scryfa by 4862 on Sunday, 26 March 2017
(User Info | Send a Message)
This inscribed stone must be one of the best preserved inscribed stones in the UK. If you are here Men-an-tol and the Nine Maidens stone circle are both worth a look at.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M2SLciFvK5E
[ Reply to This ]

Who Moved the Stones? Wed 20 July 10.30 & 13.30 by Andy B on Saturday, 18 June 2011
(User Info | Send a Message)
Wed 20 July 10.30 & 13.30

A Cornwall Archaeological Society family event.
A walk to hear some of the myths and theories and perhaps some of the facts about the Men-an-tol, Men Scryfa and the Nine Maidens Stone Circle (Boskednan), with guide Adrian Rodda.
Please bring: clothing suitable to weather, including stout shoes for muddy or uneven surfaces. Also bring drink and snacks. There are no toilet or refreshment facilities nearby.
Donations accepted for Cornwall Archaeological Society. Booking not necessary.
10.30am and another walk to begin at 1.30pm . Allow 1hr 30 minutes for each walk.

Location: Meet at the car parking area on the Morvah to Penzance road, opposite the turning for Chun Castle Iron Age fort. SW 419344..

Org: Cornwall Archaeological Society
Name: Tony Blackman

Part of the Festival of British Archaeology 2011
[ Reply to This ]

Re: Men Scryfa by coldrum on Monday, 12 October 2009
(User Info | Send a Message)
Pastscape entry:

http://www.pastscape.org.uk/hob.aspx?hob_id=423713
[ Reply to This ]

Re: Men Scryfa by Anonymous on Thursday, 19 August 2004
One of the most favourable times to view the inscription on the Men Scryfa is about 08:00. If you visit the site roughly 6 weeks either side of the Summer Solstice ( late July or early May) you should find the sun casting just enough shadow to make the inscription easily visible.
[ 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.