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Standing Stones and Megaliths

Cornwall is home to many standing stones, dolmens, stone circles and other megaliths. Their weathered stone, timeless magic and mystery form part of Cornwall's dramatic landscape.

standing stones

Most of these stone structures were created during the early Neolithic period around 6000 years ago.
Dolmen or Quoit
A dolmen is a type of single chamber megalithic tomb, they often consist of three or more upright stones which support a large flat horizontal capstone.

Most Dolmens or Quoits as they are sometimes called date from the Neolithic period (around 4000 BC). At the time of their construction they were covered with earth and smaller stones to form a barrow. Over time the earth and stones get washed or worn away to reveal the stone structure beneath.
Menhir
A menhir is a large upright standing stone, these can be found singularly or in groups of standing stones. It is as yet unknown what their original purpose was, possibly for religious ceremonies or as markers.

Stone circles
These stones are laid out in a circular or ellipse pattern, stone circles can be many different sizes and it is thought that they were used for ceremonial or religious purposes. They were were constructed during the Neolithic period.

Prehistoric Sacred Sites of Cornwall

Prehistoric Sacred Sites of CornwallThis book covers the stone circles, megaliths and dolmens of Cornwall with detailed information and a map of Cornish prehistoric sites. It delves into the Celts in Cornwall and covers the lost land of Lionesse...
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The Merry Maidens

Stone circle
Merry MaidensA traditional stone circle, the Merry Maidens can be found in the west of Cornwall midway between Newlyn and St Levan, they are also known as the Dancing Stones...
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Men-an-Tol

Standing Stones
Men-an-TolMen-an-Tol is almost an icon of Cornwall and appears in many photos and books about the region, situated in the far west of Cornwall it is steeped in myth and legend...
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Lanyon Quoit

Dolmen
Lanyon QuoitArguably the most famous dolmen in Cornwall, Lanyon Quoit is situated in the west of the region between the villages of Morvah and Madron...
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