‘Unique and inspiring green spaces for Cornish people’
It’s good news for one of the most important, and iconic, hillforts in Cornwall as St Eval pledges to be the ‘Heritage Guardian’ of Castle an Dinas (East).
The Cornish artisan candle maker is the first organisation to join Cornwall Heritage Trust’s ‘Heritage Guardian’ Programme.
‘We were delighted to support Cornwall Heritage Trust by sponsoring the magical site of Castle an Dinas, a much-loved landmark just a few miles from our farm,’ explains Ian Greaves, St Eval Executive Director.
‘Living and working in the Duchy, we are fortunate to be surrounded by such rich history and heritage, and it is inspiring to see Cornwall Heritage working so passionately to preserve these special places for the future.’
Located on the summit of Castle Downs near St Columb Major, Castle an Dinas is one of the largest and most impressive hillforts in Cornwall. It dates from around the fourth to first centuries BCE.
It’s believed the hillfort was a focus for the community as it was considered a symbol of the wealth and power of a tribe. It was also a central place for trade and social ceremonies.
The monument is mentioned in Cornish legends as one of the seats of the early Dukes of Cornwall. It’s also the place where Cador, Duke of Cornwall, met his death. He had been wedded King Arthur’s mother.
The existence of such legends suggests that this site remained important long after its construction.
Cornwall Heritage Trust lights up the Beacon at Castle an Dinas. Experts say it’s one of the largest and most impressive hillforts in Cornwall. Image: Mike Davey (provided by Cornwall Heritage Trust)
‘Chance to make a strategic investment in Cornwall’s culture’
‘The historic sites our team looks after are unique and inspiring green spaces for Cornish people to connect with one another and their shared history,’ explains Antonia Mullaly, Cornwall Heritage Trust Fundraising Officer.
‘Protecting and sharing these assets with everyone is at the heart of everything we do because, despite how important they are to local communities, many are uncared for and under threat.’
‘Joining our ‘Heritage Guardians’ Programme is a fantastic and unique opportunity to support this vital work, offering businesses the chance to make a strategic investment in Cornwall’s culture, communities and landscapes, deliver lasting impact with a trusted charity and demonstrate their corporate social responsibility.’
‘We’re incredibly grateful to St Eval for partnering with us. As an independent charity, every penny from business partnerships, memberships, donations and funding really does count so their generosity makes a huge difference to our work.’
‘We hope many more businesses will see the benefits of this investment in Cornwall’s heritage and come on board.’
It is one of 19 historic sites cared for by Cornwall Heritage Trust, which works to ensure Cornish heritage is archaeologically protected, ecologically improved and freely accessible to everyone.
The independent charity hosts a wide-reaching programme of education and community workshops. It provides activities and events at these places alongside grants to enable visits to museums and historic monuments across Cornwall.
Cornwall Heritage Trust is launching its ‘Heritage Guardian’ Programme to help continue its work to save the county’s historic sites, improve them and share them, free of charge, with the general public.
Breaktime News has previously reported on Cornwall Heritage Trust launching a fundraising appeal for Castilly Henge.