Cornwall & the Isles of Scilly
Art, History & Archaeology Sites & Museums
Cornwall holds a unique place in England, many native Cornish maintain that they are a nation distinct from the English altogether. Located at Britain’s southwestern tip, Cornwall has a rich collection of prehistoric monuments, from the settlements of Carn Euny and Chysauster to the stone circles at Boscawen-Un and the Hurlers. Probably the county’s most famous medieval site, Tintagel Castle, is the legendary birthplace of King Arthur, with the Arthurian connection contributing to popular perceptions of Cornwall as a land of mystery and enchantment. Other castles include the Norman fortification at Restormel and those at Saint Mawes and Pendennis, built in the reign of King Henry VIII to defend against French or Spanish attack. Possessing more coastline than any other county in the United Kingdom, Cornwall’s rich sea-faring heritage is displayed at the National Maritime Museum Cornwall.
Featured Destination
An Archaeological Archipelago:
Things to see on the Isles of Scilly
Archaeology & History Sites in Cornwall
Merry Maidens Stone Circle
In open farmland on the road from Newlyn and Penzance to Land’s End is a cluster of ritual and funerary monuments dating to the late Neolithic and early Bronze Age. The main attraction is a modest but perfect stone circle known as the Merry Maidens. Nearby are a few standing stones, the tallest still standing menhirs in Cornwall, and a partly destroyed burial chamber. As with many megalithic sites in the area, the stone circle and standing stones here get their names from a local legend.
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Some attractions listed on this page are managed by English Heritage or the National Trust. Besides supporting their work, joining these organisations offers you many benefits. Read about the benefits of joining English Heritage and/or the National Trust.
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