Local charity launches fundraising appeal for Castilly Henge
Experts say it’s one of South-West’s most important and best-researched late Neolithic sites. Located near Bodmin, Castilly Henge is believed to date from 3000 to 2500 BCE.
There are now concerns for The Scheduled Monument as it’s considered to be at potential risk by invasive vegetation – and is seen as being inaccessible to the public.
A small, independent Cornish charity is launching an appeal to raise £50,000 for its acquisition with the aim of securing the site for future generations.
‘The henge has been at risk for some time – a threat which urgently needs to be addressed before this special place and the secrets it holds are potentially lost,’ says Cathy Woolcock, CEO of Cornwall Heritage Trust.
Images of the site show the substantial oval earthwork – complete with an external bank and internal ditch.
Experts say it would have formed an amphitheatre-like setting for gatherings and ritual activities.
They also point to several high-status burial mounds which shows the site’s significance continued into the Early Bronze Age (c.2400-1500 BCE).
Recent surveys undertaken by Historic England’s Archaeological Investigation Team discovered traces of a now-removed possible stone circle in the middle of the henge.
Archaeologists say it’s an exciting discovering as not all henges contain stone circles – and there’s only one other known to survive in Cornwall.
‘Protecting historic landscapes and monuments’
A four-week archaeological excavation is set to take place at the monument in September and October with the aim of understanding more about the monument’s character, date and potential later reuse.
Cornwall Heritage Trust says the henge is currently at risk due to the threat posed by invasive vegetation – along with any development work along the nearby road.
It adds the site is currently inaccessible to the public and that much of the area remains largely unknown – despite all of the recent discoveries.
‘Our charity has been protecting historic landscapes and monuments across Cornwall for the last 40 years,’ says Cathy.
‘We have a strong track record of giving these special places the archaeological and land management expertise they need and have helped save a number from the Heritage at Risk Register.’
‘We hope to be able to do the same for Castilly Henge and would be hugely grateful for your support.’
Breaktime News has previously reported on the prehistoric caves at Kents Cavern in Torquay.
