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Chapel Carn Brea: A Cornish Hilltop with a Rich Archaeological History

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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: A Place of Pilgrimage and History

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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

The Plague Stones of England: A Sobering Reminder of a Bygone Era

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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

Chun Castle and Chun Quoit: Two ancient Cornish landmarks

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Chun Castle and Chun Quoit are two of the most impressive ancient landmarks in Cornwall, England. Located near the village of Pendeen, they offer visitors a glimpse into the rich history and culture of the region. Chun Castle is a large Iron Age hillfort, built around 2,500 years ago. It is situated on a prominent hilltop, affording stunning views of the surrounding countryside and coastline. The fort is surrounded by two massive stone walls, with the inner wall enclosing an area of around 10 acres. The interior of the fort contains the remains of several roundhouses, which would have been the homes of the people who lived and worked there. Chun Castle is thought to have had a defensive purpose, given its strategic location and the presence of the two stone walls. However, it is also likely that the fort was a center for trade and social activity. The proximity of the fort to the much older Chun Quoit suggests that the two sites may have been connected in some way. Chun Quoit is a Neol

Maen Llia: A standing stone in the heart of the Brecon Beacons

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Maen Llia is a standing stone in the heart of the Brecon Beacons National Park, a few miles north of Ystradfellte. It is a striking sight, standing 12 feet tall and 9 feet wide, and is one of the largest standing stones in Wales. The stone is thought to date back to the Bronze Age, around 3000 BC. Its original purpose is unknown, but it may have been a boundary marker, a religious site, or even a way to tell the time. Maen Llia is surrounded by many other ancient monuments, including a cairn, an embankment, and a platform. This suggests that the stone was part of an important ceremonial or religious complex. The stone is also associated with a number of legends. One legend says that the stone moves down to the river at night to drink. Another legend says that the stone is the home of a fairy queen. Whatever its original purpose, Maen Llia is a powerful and evocative monument. It is a reminder of the people who lived in the Brecon Beacons thousands of years ago. Maen Llia is a fascinati

The Inca Ruins of Ollantaytambo: A Must-Visit in the Sacred Valley

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The Inca Ruins of Ollantaytambo, located in the Sacred Valley of Peru, are one of the most impressive and well-preserved Inca sites in the country. The ruins are a testament to the ingenuity and engineering skills of the Incas, and offer visitors a glimpse into their culture and way of life. Ollantaytambo was an important religious, administrative, and agricultural center for the Incas. The ruins include a series of temples, palaces, and terraces, as well as a sophisticated irrigation system. The most impressive structure at Ollantaytambo is the Temple of the Sun, a massive unfinished temple complex that is thought to have been dedicated to the Inca sun god, Inti. Another highlight of the Ollantaytambo ruins is the Intihuatana stone, a sacred stone that was used by the Incas for astronomical observations. The Intihuatana stone is located on a hilltop overlooking the ruins, and offers stunning views of the surrounding valley. In addition to the ruins themselves, the town of Ollantaytamb

Dolmens in England

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England is home to some fascinating ancient sites, including stone circles and dolmens (cromlechs). A dolmen is a type of single-chamber tomb, usually consisting of two or more vertical stones supporting a large horizontal capstone. Here we list five dolmens that are worth a visit when travelling in England. TRETHEVY QUOIT Trethevy Quoit is an impressive portal dolmen (cromlech) consisting of five standing stones capped by a large stone. There is also a rear stone which once collapsed and now lies inside the chamber. It's believed that the whole structure was originally covered by a mound. The monument is almost 2.7 meters high and dates to the early Neolithic period, around 3500-2500 BC. At the upper end of the capstone is a porthole which may have been used for astronomical observation. However, some people suggest that the hole was drilled there for decoration purposes. SPINSTER'S ROCK Spinster's Rock is a Neolithic dolmen situated in a farm field near Drewsteignton in D