Nine Maidens

Cornwall

The Nine Maidens circle is also known as Boskednan.  Although the circle is now in ruins, it is attractive because of its isolated location on desolate moorland. There are only six of the granite stones still standing, and it is thought that originally there were 22 stones.  The majority of the missing stones are in the north of the circle.  The stones average approx. 4ft in height with the exception of one stone at the north of the circle.  The stone, now broken, was over 6ft in height when it was standing.

At the SSE perimeter of the circle, the lies a round barrow.  Excavations carried out in 1872 found the remains of a rifled cist at the centre of the long barrow.  Previous investigations at the site had come up with the remains of a Cornish urn called Trevisker ware.  Further investigations found no other remains such as ash or bones in the cist.

On our way to find the circle, which we struggled with, we came across some other stones which at first we weren't sure if they were what was left of the circle.  These stones seemed to be aligned in a row, and for some reason, on some of the stones, coins had been wedged into cracks and gaps.  So far we haven't been able to find out what these actual stones are - if anyone else does know or have any idea what these stones are, we would love to here about them.

Directions

The circle is a few hundred metres walk from Boskednan Farm.  The farm can be reached via Carfury, approx. 2km south of Porthmeor.  

Photos

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