Archaeological Excavation Uncovers Secrets of Neolithic Henge

Excavation work has commenced on a prehistoric ritual site in Cornwall, revealing the potential of a hidden Neolithic stone circle. Known as Castilly Henge, this site is believed to have been constructed between 3,000 and 2,500 BCE, marking it as a significant archaeological discovery.

Earlier this year, Cornwall Heritage Trust (CHT) received more than £40,000 in funding from the National Lottery to support the excavation. The project aims to uncover the site’s historical importance and its role as a center for ancient rituals.

Significance of Castilly Henge

Located just off the A30 near Bodmin, Castilly Henge features a substantial oval embankment, thought to have served as an amphitheater for gatherings and ceremonial activities. Its relevance extended into the Early Bronze Age, around 2,400 to 1,500 BCE, when several high-status burial mounds, or barrows, were constructed in close proximity.

Previous studies suggested that Castilly Henge may have also functioned as a medieval open-air theatre known as a plen-an-gwari. Additionally, it is believed that the site was utilized for fortified housing of cannons during the English Civil War.

The four-week excavation is a collaborative effort involving CHT, the Cornwall Archaeological Society, and Historic England. Project leaders are eager to delve deeper into the monument’s history, building upon discoveries made in 2022, when possible traces of the long-gone stone circle were identified. Only one other example of such a site is known to exist in Cornwall.

Future of the Henge

Carolyn Kennett, project manager at CHT, expressed her enthusiasm about the excavation, stating, “Neolithic henges are incredibly rare, so this is a really exciting moment.” She emphasized the need to protect the henge from threats posed by invasive vegetation and nearby road infrastructure. Kennett aims to secure funding to purchase the site and make it accessible to the public, with an overall target of £50,000. So far, more than £10,000 has been raised.

Dr. Olaf Bayer, senior archaeological investigator for Historic England, highlighted the emotional significance of the site, noting it provides a “direct visceral connection” to our ancestors. He remarked, “To discover and hold in your own hands the very tools people of the past had used – it’s the kind of stuff that makes the hair stand up on the back of your neck.”

This excavation at Castilly Henge not only promises to shed light on Neolithic practices but also aims to preserve an important piece of Cornwall’s heritage for future generations.