Merry Maidens

Cornwall

A Celtic stone circle found at Lamorna.  Merry Maidens Stone Circle, also known as "The Dawns Men" which is a corruption of "Dans Maen" or "the stone dance" is one of the most impressive stone circles in Cornwall.  Legend has it that the stones are maidens that were petrified for dancing on the Sabbath, hence the name(s).   Restored in the 1860's and now in excellent condition, this circle consists of 19 evenly placed stones approx. 12 ft apart and approx. 4ft high.  At the east of the circle is a large gap which is believed to be astronomically related entrance.

Over to the west of the circle is "Goon Rith" standing stone, which can be seen from the circle. Approx. 300 metres to the north east of the circle stand "The Pipers", which are two outliers.  However, these two large stones are not visible from the circle.  Unfortunately, the Pipers are on private land so there is no access to them.

It is believed that a second circle existed to the WSW of Merry Maidens.  This second circle is thought to have been destroyed in the 19th century.

Although the circle is an impressive sight and very well preserved, there didn't seem to be an "atmosphere" like there is at some of the other stone circles.  Whether this is because of the distraction of the main road running more of less directly past the circle I don't know.  It's one of those things I can't explain properly. Or maybe it was just me!  Either way, the sight of the circle on the crest of a small (extremely small) hill is definitely impressive.

Directions

The circle is in a field at the side of the B3315 from Penzance, half a mile south west of Boleigh.

 

Photos

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