STONE BOTHERING

Standing proud on the windswept moors of Cornwall, England, the St Breock Downs Monolith is a stark and imposing figure. This prehistoric standing stone, known locally as Men Gurta or the "Man of Cornwall," is the largest and heaviest in Cornwall, weighing an estimated 16.75 tons and towering over 5 meters tall. The monolith's origins remain shrouded in mystery, but it is believed to date back to the late Neolithic or early Bronze Age, around 2500-1500 BC. Its purpose is unclear, though archaeologists speculate it could have served as a territorial marker, a ritual site, or even a burial monument. The monolith stands on a low stone mound or cairn, adding to its enigmatic presence. The surrounding landscape, with its rolling hills and dramatic coastline, further enhances the sense of awe and wonder that this ancient monument evokes. Visiting the St Breock Downs Monolith is a truly unique experience. The journey to the site itself is an adventure, with winding lanes l...

Nestled in the heart of modern Lima, Peru, lie two ancient treasures - Huaca Pucllana and Huallamarca. These pre-Columbian archaeological sites offer a glimpse into the fascinating history of the pre-Inca cultures that once thrived in the region. Huaca Pucllana: Huaca Pucllana, located in the trendy district of Miraflores, is a large adobe pyramid complex built around 500 AD by the Lima culture. This impressive structure, with its 22-meter-high central pyramid and intricate plazas and courtyards, served as a significant administrative and ceremonial center. The site's name, Huaca Pucllana, which translates to "Sacred Place of Play, " hints at its multifaceted role. It was not only a place of religious and political importance but also a hub for social activities and gatherings. Visitors can explore the site's various structures, including the pyramid, plazas, and ramps, and marvel at the skill and ingenuity of the ancient builders. The on-site museum ho...

Portheras Barrow is a Neolithic burial mound located in Cornwall, England. It is one of the largest and best-preserved barrows in the county, and it is thought to date back to around 3000 BC. The barrow is made up of a mound of earth and stone, and it originally had a stone chamber at its center. The chamber has since been destroyed, but some of its stones can still be seen. Portheras Barrow was first excavated in 1891, by the antiquarian William C. Lukis. Lukis found a number of artifacts in the barrow, including pottery, flint tools, and human bones. He also found the remains of the stone chamber. Portheras Barrow is located on Portheras Common, near the village of St. Just. The common is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), and it is home to a variety of wildlife, including rare plants and animals. Portheras Barrow is a significant archaeological site, as it provides us with valuable insights into the lives of the Neolithic people who built it. The barr...

The Valley of Stones in Dorset, England, is a National Nature Reserve that holds a remarkable landscape of scattered sarsen boulders. These impressive stones, formed during the last ice age, were created by freeze-thaw cycles that caused sandstone from the nearby hills to fragment and slump downhill. The result is a dramatic, almost otherworldly terrain where boulders of all sizes are strewn across the valley floor, inviting exploration and contemplation. The sarsen stones themselves are among the largest and most impressive in southern England. They vary from small pebbles to massive boulders weighing over 100 tons. Their warm honey-brown tones and weathered, textured surfaces give the valley a timeless and mystical character, making it easy to imagine the place as it might have appeared to ancient peoples who first encountered it. Among the scattered stones, a hidden treasure was discovered: a Neolithic polishing stone, or polissoir . This large boulder features a smooth, concave sur...

Chapel Carn Brea is a hill in Cornwall, England, with a rich archaeological history. The hill is home to a number of prehistoric monuments, including a Bronze Age barrow, a medieval chapel, and a World War II observation post. The Bronze Age barrow is the most prominent archaeological feature on Chapel Carn Brea. It is a large mound of earth and stone that was built over 4,000 years ago. The barrow was likely used as a burial place for important members of the community. In the 13th century, a medieval chapel was built on top of the Bronze Age barrow. The chapel was dedicated to St Michael of Brea, and it was tended by a succession of hermits. The chapel fell into disrepair in the 18th century and was eventually demolished in 1816. During World War II, Chapel Carn Brea was used as an observation post. A shelter was dug into the east side of the hill, and a lookout tower was built on the summit. The observation post was used to monitor for enemy aircraft and ships. Today, Chapel Carn Br...

Sancreed Holy Well is a sacred spring located in the village of Sancreed in Cornwall, England. It has been a place of pilgrimage and healing for centuries, and is one of the most well-known holy wells in Cornwall. The well is located in a beautiful grove of pine and holly trees, and is surrounded by an air of mystery and enchantment. The water in the well is said to have healing powers. Near the well are the ruins of a medieval chapel. The chapel is thought to have been dedicated to Saint Creed, a local saint. However, the pagan traditions associated with the well continued, and it remained a place of pilgrimage for people of all faiths. The chapel was destroyed during the English Civil War, but the well itself remained intact. In the 19th century, the well was cleared and restored, and the chapel ruins were excavated. In 1910, a modern Celtic cross was erected near the well and the chapel ruins. If you are looking for a place to connect with the ancient spirits of Cornwall, then Sancr...

Plague stones are found across England, and are usually in the form of hollowed-out stones or boulders. These stones are relics of the medieval plagues, and were used as a way to try to prevent the spread of disease. During the plague, people were terrified of catching the disease. They believed that it was contagious, and that it could be spread through contact with infected people or objects. Plague stones were placed along roads and at parish boundaries. They were filled with vinegar or another disinfectant, and people would place coins in the hollows. The idea was that people could buy food and other goods from outsiders without having to come into direct contact with them. Plague stones were also used to mark the graves of plague victims. This was done to help prevent people from accidentally disturbing the graves and spreading the disease. Today, plague stones are a sobering reminder of a bygone era. They are a testament to the fear and suffering that people endured during the pl...