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{{Short description|Civil parish and site in Cornwall, England}}
{{coord|50.222|N|5.247|W|display=title}}
{{EngvarB|date=September 2013}}

{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2024}}
]
{{Infobox settlement
| name = Carn Brea
| native_name =
| native_name_lang = <!-- ISO 639-1 code e.g. "fr" for French. If more than one, use {{lang}} instead -->
| settlement_type =
| image_skyline = DSCN1072CarnBreaFromRedruth.JPG
| imagesize =
| image_alt =
| image_caption = Carn Brea, seen from Redruth. Carn Brea Castle and Monument are visible at the top of the hill.
| etymology =
| nickname =
| coordinates = {{coord|50.222|N|5.247|W|format=dms|display=inline,title}}
| pushpin_map = Cornwall
| population_total =
| subdivision_type = Civil parish
| subdivision_name =
| subdivision_type1 =
| subdivision_name1 =
| subdivision_type2 =
| subdivision_name2 =
| website = <!-- {{URL|example.com}} -->
}}


'''Carn Brea''' ({{langx|kw|Karnbre}})<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.magakernow.org.uk/pdf/placename_masterlist.pdf|title=List of Place-names agreed by the MAGA Signage Panel|access-date=2015-01-11|publisher=Cornish Language Partnership|date=May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140729194902/http://www.magakernow.org.uk/pdf/placename_masterlist.pdf|archive-date=29 July 2014}}</ref> is a ] and hilltop site in ], England, United Kingdom. The population of Carn Brea including Bosleake and Church Coombe was 8,013 at the 2011 census.<ref>Office for National Statistics, Key Figures for 2011 Census: Key Statistics, Area: Carn Brea parish</ref> The hilltop site is situated approximately {{convert|1|mi|km|spell=in}} southwest of ].<ref>Ordnance Survey: Landranger map sheet 203 ''Land's End'' {{ISBN|978-0-319-23148-7}}</ref> The settlements of ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ] and ] are in the parish.<ref>; Explore Britain</ref>
'''Carn Brea''' ({{lang-kw|Carn Bre}}) is a ] and hilltop site in ], England, United Kingdom. The hilltop site is situated approximately one mile (1.6&nbsp;km) southwest of ].<ref>Ordnance Survey: Landranger map sheet 203 ''Land's End'' ISBN 978-0-319-23148-7</ref>


==Neolithic settlement== ==Neolithic settlement==
The earliest ] settlement at Carn Brea was a ] occupied between around 3700 and 3400 BC. A two acre (8,000&nbsp;m²) inner enclosure was surrounded by one of eleven acres (45,000&nbsp;m²). The ramparts consisted of stone walls with an earth bank and ditch. Traces of fourteen platforms on which would have stood ]s have been found by ]s within its ramparts along with pottery and flint ].<ref name=RJM/> The ] settlement at Carn Brea was a ] occupied between around 3700 and 3400&nbsp;BC. ] directed archaeological excavations of the site in 1970<ref name=RJM1970>
The site was excavated between 1970<ref>
{{cite journal {{cite journal
|last=Mercer |last=Mercer
|first=R.J. |first=R.J.
|authorlink=Roger Mercer |author-link=Roger Mercer
|title=The Neolithic Settlement on Carn Brea: Preliminary Report |title=The Neolithic Settlement on Carn Brea: Preliminary Report
|journal=Cornish Archaeology |journal=Cornish Archaeology
|volume=9 |volume=9
|pages=pp54–62 |pages=54–62
|publisher=Cornwall Archaeological Society
|year=1970}} |year=1970}}
https://cornisharchaeology.org.uk/volume-9-1970/
</ref> </ref>
and 1973<ref name=RJM> and 1972.<ref name=RJM1972>
{{cite journal {{cite journal
|last=Mercer |last=Mercer
|first=R.J. |first=R.J.
|authorlink=Roger Mercer |author-link=Roger Mercer
|title=The Excavation of the Neolithic Settlement, Carn Brea |title=The Excavation of the Neolithic Settlement, Carn Brea
|journal=Cornish Archaeology |journal=Cornish Archaeology
|volume=11 |volume=11
|publisher=Cornwall Archaeological Society
|year=1972}} |year=1972}}
https://cornisharchaeology.org.uk/volume-11-1972/
</ref> </ref>
by ].
A population of 100 to 150 has been suggested. There is evidence that the occupants cleared the surroundings by burning away the undergrowth and removing stones to use the land for farming. The acid soil obliterated any environmental evidence about this. Nearby outcrops of rock suitable for manufacture as ]s would have contributed to the village's economy. Edge grinding stones, ] and incomplete and finished axes found on the site indicate that the inhabitants were accomplished stoneworkers and traded their products to others. That the pottery found on the site appears to have come from a production centre almost 20 miles (30&nbsp;km) to south in the present day parish of ] further supports a complex economic network in the area.{{Citation needed|date=February 2007}}


A {{convert|2|acre|ha|abbr=off|adj=on|spell=in}} inner enclosure was surrounded by one of {{convert|11|acre|ha|abbr=off|spell=in}}. The ramparts consisted of stone walls with an earth bank and ditch. Traces of fourteen platforms on which would have stood ]s have been found within its ramparts, along with pottery and flint ].
The 700 flint arrowheads found scattered at the site suggest that Carn Brea may have been attacked at least once.<ref name=RJM/> Every timber structure on the site had been burnt, the charcoal being the only organic matter that survived the acid soils. The earthworks themselves may also have been deliberately damaged by an invading power.

The settlement had an estimated population of 100 to 150. There is evidence that the occupants cleared the surrounding land for farming by burning away the undergrowth and removing stones although the acid soil obliterated any environmental evidence. Nearby outcrops of rock suitable for making ]s would have contributed to the village's economy. Edge grinding stones, ] and incomplete and finished axes found on the site indicate the inhabitants were accomplished stoneworkers and traded their products. Pottery found on the site appears to have been made from ]ic clay originating nearly {{convert|20|mi|km}} to the south in the present day parish of ] suggesting a complex economic network in the area.<ref>{{cite web|last=St. Keverne Local History Society|title=The Prehistoric use of Gabbroic Clay from St Keverne |url=http://www.st-keverne.com/History/arch/gabbroic-clay.php |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130203172106/http://www.st-keverne.com/History/arch/gabbroic-clay.php |archive-date=3 February 2013 |access-date=11 March 2012}}</ref>

Over 700 flint arrowheads were found scattered at the site.<ref>Cornwall Archaeological Society. Carn Brea, Early Neolithic tor enclosure, c 3700 BC http://www.royalarchinst.org/jubilee/cas {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201030949/http://www.royalarchinst.org/jubilee/cas |date=1 December 2017 }}</ref> Despite nineteenth-century destruction (work to level and widen the entrance track), there was a concentration of arrow heads around a probable entrance to the enclosure, Mercer's site E. These arrows may have been used by a large group of archers in an organized assault upon a defended site.<ref>Shadowland, Wales 300-1500 BC. Steve Burrow, National Museum of Wales / Oxbow Books, 2011, page 147</ref> Every timber structure on the site had been burnt, and charcoal was the only organic matter that survived the acid soils. The earthworks may have been deliberately damaged by invaders.


==Iron Age settlement== ==Iron Age settlement==
]
In the ] the site was reoccupied and minerals were mined from the hillside. A ] of ]ish gold ]s found in the 18th century suggests trade links with the other side of the country at this time.{{Citation needed|date=February 2007}} The ], of around AD 700, refers to Purocoronavis (almost certainly a corruption of Durocornovium), 'a fort or walled settlement of the ]' (unidentified, but possibly ] or Carn Brea).
In the ] the site was reoccupied and minerals were mined from the hillside. One hut floor was excavated, and sherds of characteristically Iron Age types, including 'cordoned ware', were found.<ref name=RJM1972/> The fortified gateway, Mercer's Site G, was of Iron Age form, and Mercer suggests that although Site G produced no Iron Age artifacts, it is post-Neolithic. The crushed-rock road surface showed little sign of contemporary wear and could never have been subjected to even a modicum of traffic.<ref name=RJM1972/>

A ] of Gallo-Belgic gold ]s originating from northeastern Gaul and ] were found in the 18th century.<ref>As referenced in Mercer, 1970:
BORLASE, WILLIAM, Observations on Antiquities ... of the County of Cornwall (Oxford, 1754).
ALLEN, D. F., "The origins of coinage in Britain—a reappraisal', in: Frere, S. S., ed.. Problems of the Iron Age in Southern Britain (1960), 97 ff.
ALLAN, J., 'The Carn Brea hoard of 1749', Numism. Chron., 6th ser. 8 (1948), 235-6—this 'does not analyse the hoard correctly' (so ALLEN, D. F., art. cit., 287).
and for the first 20th-century republication of the hoard, Allen, D. (1944). I.—The Belgic Dynasties of Britain and their Coins. Archaeologia, 90, 1-46. doi:10.1017/S0261340900009747</ref>

The ], of around AD&nbsp;700, refers to Purocoronavis (almost certainly a corruption of Durocornovium), 'a fort or walled settlement of the ]' (unidentified, but possibly ] or Carn Brea).


==Landmarks== ==Landmarks==
===Carn Brea Castle===
]
]]]
{{Gallery
] stands near the top of the hill. It is built on the site of a chapel built in 1379 probably dedicated to ].<ref name=CBPG> {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070929041801/http://www.cledha.co.uk/cbpg/ |date=29 September 2007 }}, Carn Brea Protection Group. Retrieved 20 August 2007.</ref> It was built in the 18th century by the Basset family as a hunting lodge.<ref name=SaintIllogan> {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010808122158/http://www.saint-illogan.org.uk/pics_carnbrea.htm |date=8 August 2001 }}, Parish of Saint Illogan. Retrieved 20 August 2007.</ref> It is considered to be a ] built on the huge uncut boulders that make up part of its foundations, giving the impression of the building melting into the land.<ref name=FollyTowers> {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070829111809/http://www.follytowers.com/carn_brea_castle.html |date=29 August 2007 }}, Follies and Monuments, FollyTowers.com. Retrieved 20 August 2007.</ref> An East India trading ship named after Carn Brea Castle was wrecked off the Isle of Wight in 1829 and involved in excise tax fraud.<ref>{{cite news|work=The Times|date=18 July 1829|page=4|title=Some frauds of a very peculiar and extensive nature have been discovered}}</ref>
| lines = 1

|File:Carn Brea Castle by Ansom.jpg|Carn Brea Castle
In the 1980s the abandoned building was converted into a ] restaurant.<ref name=EatOutCornwall>{{usurped|1=}}, Restaurants in Cornwall, EatOutCornwall.com. Retrieved 20 August 2007.</ref> The stolen Ford Anglia featured in the ] was found at the castle in 2006.<ref>{{cite news
|File:Carn Brea Monument by Ansom.jpg|Basset Monument
| title = Harry Potter's stolen car appears at castle
|File:Carn Brea Cup and Saucer Rock.jpg|Cup and Saucer Rock
| work = The Scotsman
}}
; Carn Brea Castle
: The medieval Carn Brea Castle stands near the top of the hill. This was originally built as a chapel, in 1379, probably dedicated to ],<ref name=CBPG>, Carn Brea Protection Group. Retrieved 2007-08-20.</ref> before being rebuilt in the 18th century by the Basset family as a hunting lodge.<ref name=SaintIllogan>, Parish of Saint Illogan. Retrieved 2007-08-20.</ref> It is considered a ] castle, due to the huge uncut boulders that make up part of its foundations, giving the impression of the building melting into the land.<ref name=FollyTowers>, Follies and Monuments, FollyTowers.com. Retrieved 2007-08-20.</ref> In the 1980s the abandoned building was converted into a ] restaurant.<ref name=EatOutCornwall>, Restaurants in Cornwall, EatOutCornwall.com. Retrieved 2007-08-20.</ref> The stolen Ford Anglia featured in the ] films was found at the Castle in 2006.<ref>{{cite news
| title = The Scotsman: Harry Potter's stolen car appears at castle
| publisher = The Scotsman Publications Ltd
| date = 19 May 2006 | date = 19 May 2006
| url = http://news.scotsman.com/topics.cfm?tid=3&id=742852006 | url = http://news.scotsman.com/topics.cfm?tid=3&id=742852006
| accessdate = 2006-10-30}} | access-date = 30 October 2006}}
</ref> {{coord|50|13|20.85|N|5|14|41.40|W|region:GB_type:landmark|name=Carn Brea Castle}} </ref> {{coord|50|13|20.85|N|5|14|41.40|W|region:GB_type:landmark|name=Carn Brea Castle}}
: An East India trading ship was named after Carn Brea Castle, wrecked off the Isle of Wight in 1829 and involved in excise tax fraud.<ref>{{cite newspaper|publisher=The Times|date=18 July 1829|page=4|title=Some frauds of a very peculiar and extensive nature have been discovered}}</ref>


; Basset Monument ===Basset Monument===
]
: At the highest point of the hill there is a 90 foot high (27m) ]. This is a monument to ] (1757-1835). Basset, a mine owner, gained his titles for erecting earthworks to defend ] from combined French and Spanish fleets in 1779, and suppressing a miners' "food riot" in 1785.<ref name=CornishWorld>, Cornish History Reference Files, CornishWorld.net. Retrieved 2007-08-20.</ref> Along with others, he petitioned the House of Lords against slavery in 1828.<ref>{{cite newspaper|publisher=The Times|date=3 June 1828|title=Parliamentary Intelligence, House of Lords}}</ref> The monument was erected by public subscription in 1836. It is inscribed 'The County of Cornwall to the memory of Francis Lord de Dunstanville and Basset A.D. 1836.'<ref>As shown by the stone inscription on the south of the monument. See inscription text on ]</ref><ref>{{cite newspaper|publisher=Jackson's Oxford Journal|date=17 September 1836|title=Tuesday's Post|quote=A chaste and elegant monument from the chisel of Westmacott put up in parish of Illogan, Cornwall, to the memory of the late Lord De Dunstanville}}</ref> {{coord|50|13|16|N|5|14|56|W|type:landmark_region:GB|name=Basset Cross}}
At the highest point of the hill is a 90-feet high (27m) ] erected as a monument to ] (1757–1835). Basset, a mine owner, gained his titles for erecting earthworks to defend ] from combined French and Spanish fleets in 1779, and suppressing a miners' "food riot" in 1785.<ref name=CornishWorld> {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070928170928/http://www.cornishworld.net/HISTORYMAKERS/Basset_family.htm |date=28 September 2007 }}, Cornish History Reference Files, CornishWorld.net. Retrieved 20 August 2007.</ref> Along with others, he petitioned the House of Lords against slavery in 1828.<ref>{{cite news|work=The Times|date=3 June 1828|title=Parliamentary Intelligence, House of Lords}}</ref> The monument was erected by public subscription in 1836. It is inscribed "The County of Cornwall to the memory of Francis Lord de Dunstanville and Basset A.D. 1836."<ref>As shown by the stone inscription on the south of the monument. See inscription text on ]</ref><ref>{{cite news|publisher=Jackson's Oxford Journal|date=17 September 1836|title=Tuesday's Post|quote=A chaste and elegant monument from the chisel of Westmacott put up in parish of Illogan, Cornwall, to the memory of the late Lord De Dunstanville}}</ref> {{coord|50|13|16|N|5|14|56|W|type:landmark_region:GB|name=Basset Cross}}

===Cup and Saucer Rock===


; Cup and Saucer Rock ]
: This large flat rock is perched next to the Monument showing several deep basins (see ]). This rock has also been called ''The Sacrificing Rock'' (though with doubtful historical accuracy).<ref> The Cup and Saucer Rock next to the monument is a large flattish rock with several deep basins (see ]). The rock has been called "The Sacrificing Rock" (although with doubtful historical accuracy).<ref>
{{cite book {{cite book
| last = Curran | last = Curran
Line 67: Line 97:
| publisher = New Page Books | publisher = New Page Books
| year = 2005 | year = 2005
| pages = 36 |page=36
| isbn = 1-56414-786-X}} | isbn = 978-1-56414-786-8}}
</ref> {{coord|50|13|16|N|5|14|54|W|region:GB_type:landmark|name=Sacrificing Rock}} </ref> {{coord|50|13|16|N|5|14|54|W|region:GB_type:landmark|name=Sacrificing Rock}}


; Smugglers' Cave ===Smugglers' Cave===
] ]
: In a depression between the Monument and the Castle are the remains of the ''Smugglers' Cave'', blocked by the Council in the 1980s with rocks to stop children entering. This tunnel is rumoured to extend from the top of the Carn down into Redruth town, but it is probably an abandoned mine workings. It may have been confused with another tunnel from the castle down to St Uny’s church which was blocked off for safety reasons around 1970 by the castle owners.<ref>{{harv|Tangye|1981}}</ref><ref>{{harv|Historic Environment Service|2006|p=3}}</ref> {{coord|50|13|19|N|5|14|50|W|region:GB_type:landmark|name=Smugglers' Cave}} In a depression between the monument and the castle are the remains of the "Smugglers' Cave". It was blocked with rocks by the council in the 1980s to stop children entering. The tunnel is rumoured to extend from the top of the carn into Redruth town, but it is probably an abandoned mine working. It may have been confused with another tunnel from the castle to St Uny's church which was blocked for safety reasons around 1970 by the castle owners.<ref>{{harv|Tangye|1981}}</ref><ref>{{harv|Historic Environment Service|2006|p=3}}</ref> {{coord|50|13|19|N|5|14|50|W|region:GB_type:landmark|name=Smugglers' Cave}}


; Saint Euny's Well ===Saint Euny's Well===
: This well can be found at the foot of Carn Brea below the Castle and near St Euny's Church. It has a plaque by Carn Brea Parish Trails reading ''"St Euny Well. Holy well of St Euny visited by the ] 500AD"''. Stories about the sacred use of this well may be confused with St Euny's Well at Sancreed (see ]). Saint Euny's Well is at the foot of Carn Brea below the castle near ]'s Church. It has a plaque by Carn Brea Parish Trails reading "St Euny Well. Holy well of St Euny visited by the ] 500AD". Stories about its sacred use may be confused with St Euny's Well at Sancreed (see ]).


==Events== ==Events==
At Easter Redruth Baptist Church erects a lit cross on the outcrop behind the Castle overlooking Redruth. For many years a Christian sunrise service has been held on Easter Sunday.
;Easter
:At ] Redruth Baptist Church erects a lit cross on the outcrop behind the Castle overlooking Redruth. For many years a Christian sunrise service has been held on Easter Sunday.


The ] (], 23 June) bonfire ceremony originated as a ] ritual. Prayers are read in ] and the bonfire is lit, signalling other fires to be lit at ], ], ] to the ]. When only the embers remain, young people leap across them to drive away evil and bring luck.<ref name=CN>{{Cite book |last=Noall |first=Cyril |year=1963 |title=The Cornish Midsummer Eve bonfire celebrations |publisher=Federation of Old Cornwall Societies |series=Federation of Old Cornwall Societies. Publications |oclc=30233069}}</ref>
; Midsummer Eve
: The ] (], 23 June) bonfire ceremony originated as a ] ritual. Prayers are read in ] and the bonfire is lit, signalling other fires to be lit at ], ], ] to the ]. When only the embers remain, young people leap across them to drive away evil and bring luck.<ref name=CN>{{Cite book |last=Noall |first=Cyril |year=1963 |title=The Cornish Midsummer Eve bonfire celebrations |publisher=Federation of Old Cornwall Societies |series=Federation of Old Cornwall Societies. Publications |oclc=30233069}}</ref>


The ] meet of the starts at the top of Carn Brea.<ref>{{cite news
; Boxing Day
|title= This could be the last time
: The ] meet of the starts at the top of Carn Brea.<ref>{{cite news
|title=Bridgewater Mercury: This could be the last time |work =Bridgewater Mercury
|date=3 January 2003
|publisher=Newsquest Media Group
|url=http://archive.bridgwatermercury.co.uk/2003/1/3/34093.html
|date=3 January 2003
|access-date=30 October 2006
|url=http://archive.bridgwatermercury.co.uk/2003/1/3/34093.html
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070929205659/http://archive.bridgwatermercury.co.uk/2003/1/3/34093.html
|accessdate=2006-10-30}}
|archive-date=29 September 2007
}}
</ref><ref> </ref><ref>
{{cite news {{cite news
|title=Smallholder: Ban? What Ban? |title=Ban? What Ban?
|publisher=Newsquest Media Group |publisher=Smallholder
|date=28 December 2005 |date=28 December 2005
|url=http://archive.smallholder.co.uk/2005/12/28/50889.html |url=http://archive.smallholder.co.uk/2005/12/28/50889.html
|accessdate=2006-10-30}} |access-date=30 October 2006}}
</ref> Due to the changes in ] foxes are no longer hunted. </ref> Due to the changes in ] foxes are no longer hunted.


==See also== ==See also==
{{Portal|Cornwall}}
* ] a ]ic tribe who inhabited part of the South West peninsula of Britain, during the Iron Age and the early ] period.
* ] – a ]ic tribe who inhabited part of the South West peninsula of Britain, during the Iron Age and the early ] period.
* ]
* ]
* ] - the site of the ]'s locomotive workshops.
* ] – the site of the ]'s locomotive workshops.


==Footnotes== ==Footnotes==
{{reflist|2}} {{reflist}}


==References== ==References==
*{{Cite book |year=2001 |title=Exploring Cornwall's tramway trails, Volume 1 |first=Bob |last=Acton |edition=2 |publisher=Landfall |isbn=978-1-873443-41-5 |url=http://books.google.com/?id=4DD6AAAACAAJ}} *{{Cite book |year=2001 |title=Exploring Cornwall's tramway trails, Volume 1 |first=Bob |last=Acton |edition=2 |publisher=Landfall |isbn=978-1-873443-41-5 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=4DD6AAAACAAJ}}
*{{Cite book *{{Cite book
|author=Historic Environment Service |author=Historic Environment Service
Line 117: Line 148:
|year=2006 |year=2006
|url=http://212.104.147.54/media/pdf/i/p/Carn_Brea_MA.pdf |url=http://212.104.147.54/media/pdf/i/p/Carn_Brea_MA.pdf
|access-date=19 August 2007
|format=pdf
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927080110/http://212.104.147.54/media/pdf/i/p/Carn_Brea_MA.pdf
|accessdate=2007-08-19}}
|archive-date=27 September 2007
*{{cite journal

|last=Mercer
}}
|first=R.J.
*{{cite journal|last=Mercer |first=R.J. |author-link=Roger Mercer |title=Mercer, R.J. et al.: Excavations at Carn Brea, Illogan, Cornwall, 1970–73. A Neolithic Fortified Complex of the Third Millennium BC |journal=Cornish Archaeology |volume=20 |year=1981 |url=http://www.cornisharchaeology.org.uk/journal20.html |access-date=30 October 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070613160003/http://www.cornisharchaeology.org.uk/journal20.html |archive-date=13 June 2007 }}
|authorlink=Roger Mercer
*{{Cite book |year=1981 |title=Carn Brea: brief history and guide |first=Michael |last=Tangye |publisher=Dyllansow Truran |isbn=978-0-907566-12-0 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=vRlIAAAACAAJ}}
|title=Mercer, R.J et al.: Excavations at Carn Brea, Illogan, Cornwall, 1970-73. A Neolithic Fortified Complex of the Third Millennium BC
*{{Cite book |year=2003 |title=The Cornish Midsummer Eve Bonfire Celebrations |first=Cyril |last=Noall |publisher=Federation of Old Cornwall Societies |isbn=978-0-902660-31-1 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=6hnJOgAACAAJ}}
|journal=Cornish Archaeology
|volume=20
|publisher=Cornwall Archaeological Society
|year=1981
|url=http://www.cornisharchaeology.org.uk/journal20.html
|accessdate=2006-10-30}} {{Dead link|date=October 2010|bot=H3llBot}}
*{{Cite book |year=1981 |title=Carn Brea: brief history and guide |first=Michael |last=Tangye |publisher=Dyllansow Truran |isbn=978-0-907566-12-0 |url=http://books.google.com/?id=vRlIAAAACAAJ}}
*{{Cite book |year=2003 |title=The Cornish Midsummer Eve Bonfire Celebrations |first=Cyril |last=Noall |publisher=Federation of Old Cornwall Societies |isbn=978-0-902660-31-1 |url=http://books.google.com/?id=6hnJOgAACAAJ}}
<!-- Please see WP:CITET for how to use citation templates if you want to add to this list --> <!-- Please see WP:CITET for how to use citation templates if you want to add to this list -->


==External links== ==External links==
{{GeoGroup}}
{{GeoGroupTemplate}}
{{Commons|Carn Brea}} {{Commons}}
* *
* *
* records of Romano-British Settlement of Carn Brea * records of Romano-British Settlement of Carn Brea
<!-- REMOVED LINKS THAT FAIL ] --> <!-- REMOVED LINKS THAT FAIL ] -->
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| Excessive or inappropriate links WILL BE DELETED. | | Excessive or inappropriate links WILL BE DELETED. |
| See ] & ] for details. | | See ] & ] for details. |
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| If there are already plentiful links, please propose additions or | | If there are already plentiful links, please propose additions or |
| replacements on this article's discussion page, or submit your link | | replacements on this article's discussion page, or submit your link |
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{{Cornwall|state=collapsed}} {{Cornwall|state=collapsed}}
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Latest revision as of 04:32, 15 January 2025

Civil parish and site in Cornwall, England

Place
Carn Brea
Carn Brea, seen from Redruth. Carn Brea Castle and Monument are visible at the top of the hill.Carn Brea, seen from Redruth. Carn Brea Castle and Monument are visible at the top of the hill.
Carn Brea is located in CornwallCarn BreaCarn Brea
Coordinates: 50°13′19″N 5°14′49″W / 50.222°N 5.247°W / 50.222; -5.247

Carn Brea (Cornish: Karnbre) is a civil parish and hilltop site in Cornwall, England, United Kingdom. The population of Carn Brea including Bosleake and Church Coombe was 8,013 at the 2011 census. The hilltop site is situated approximately one mile (1.6 km) southwest of Redruth. The settlements of Bosleake, Brea, Broad Lane, Carn Arthen, Carn Brea Village, Carnkie, Four Lanes, Grillis, Illogan Highway, Pencoys, Penhallick, Piece, Pool, Tolskithy, Tregajorran, Treskillard, Tuckingmill and West Tolgus are in the parish.

Neolithic settlement

The Neolithic settlement at Carn Brea was a tor enclosure occupied between around 3700 and 3400 BC. Roger Mercer directed archaeological excavations of the site in 1970 and 1972.

A two-acre (0.81-hectare) inner enclosure was surrounded by one of eleven acres (4.5 hectares). The ramparts consisted of stone walls with an earth bank and ditch. Traces of fourteen platforms on which would have stood Neolithic long houses have been found within its ramparts, along with pottery and flint artefacts.

The settlement had an estimated population of 100 to 150. There is evidence that the occupants cleared the surrounding land for farming by burning away the undergrowth and removing stones although the acid soil obliterated any environmental evidence. Nearby outcrops of rock suitable for making axes would have contributed to the village's economy. Edge grinding stones, blanks and incomplete and finished axes found on the site indicate the inhabitants were accomplished stoneworkers and traded their products. Pottery found on the site appears to have been made from gabbroic clay originating nearly 20 miles (32 km) to the south in the present day parish of St Keverne suggesting a complex economic network in the area.

Over 700 flint arrowheads were found scattered at the site. Despite nineteenth-century destruction (work to level and widen the entrance track), there was a concentration of arrow heads around a probable entrance to the enclosure, Mercer's site E. These arrows may have been used by a large group of archers in an organized assault upon a defended site. Every timber structure on the site had been burnt, and charcoal was the only organic matter that survived the acid soils. The earthworks may have been deliberately damaged by invaders.

Iron Age settlement

Westerham gold stater from the hoard found in 1749

In the Iron Age the site was reoccupied and minerals were mined from the hillside. One hut floor was excavated, and sherds of characteristically Iron Age types, including 'cordoned ware', were found. The fortified gateway, Mercer's Site G, was of Iron Age form, and Mercer suggests that although Site G produced no Iron Age artifacts, it is post-Neolithic. The crushed-rock road surface showed little sign of contemporary wear and could never have been subjected to even a modicum of traffic.

A hoard of Gallo-Belgic gold staters originating from northeastern Gaul and Kent were found in the 18th century.

The Ravenna Cosmography, of around AD 700, refers to Purocoronavis (almost certainly a corruption of Durocornovium), 'a fort or walled settlement of the Cornovii' (unidentified, but possibly Tintagel or Carn Brea).

Landmarks

Carn Brea Castle

Carn Brea Castle

Carn Brea Castle stands near the top of the hill. It is built on the site of a chapel built in 1379 probably dedicated to St Michael. It was built in the 18th century by the Basset family as a hunting lodge. It is considered to be a folly built on the huge uncut boulders that make up part of its foundations, giving the impression of the building melting into the land. An East India trading ship named after Carn Brea Castle was wrecked off the Isle of Wight in 1829 and involved in excise tax fraud.

In the 1980s the abandoned building was converted into a Middle Eastern cuisine restaurant. The stolen Ford Anglia featured in the Harry Potter films was found at the castle in 2006. 50°13′20.85″N 5°14′41.40″W / 50.2224583°N 5.2448333°W / 50.2224583; -5.2448333 (Carn Brea Castle)

Basset Monument

Basset Monument

At the highest point of the hill is a 90-feet high (27m) Celtic cross erected as a monument to Francis Basset, 1st Baron de Dunstanville and Basset (1757–1835). Basset, a mine owner, gained his titles for erecting earthworks to defend Plymouth from combined French and Spanish fleets in 1779, and suppressing a miners' "food riot" in 1785. Along with others, he petitioned the House of Lords against slavery in 1828. The monument was erected by public subscription in 1836. It is inscribed "The County of Cornwall to the memory of Francis Lord de Dunstanville and Basset A.D. 1836." 50°13′16″N 5°14′56″W / 50.22111°N 5.24889°W / 50.22111; -5.24889 (Basset Cross)

Cup and Saucer Rock

Cup and Saucer Rock

The Cup and Saucer Rock next to the monument is a large flattish rock with several deep basins (see Photograph). The rock has been called "The Sacrificing Rock" (although with doubtful historical accuracy). 50°13′16″N 5°14′54″W / 50.22111°N 5.24833°W / 50.22111; -5.24833 (Sacrificing Rock)

Smugglers' Cave

Smugglers' Cave

In a depression between the monument and the castle are the remains of the "Smugglers' Cave". It was blocked with rocks by the council in the 1980s to stop children entering. The tunnel is rumoured to extend from the top of the carn into Redruth town, but it is probably an abandoned mine working. It may have been confused with another tunnel from the castle to St Uny's church which was blocked for safety reasons around 1970 by the castle owners. 50°13′19″N 5°14′50″W / 50.22194°N 5.24722°W / 50.22194; -5.24722 (Smugglers' Cave)

Saint Euny's Well

Saint Euny's Well is at the foot of Carn Brea below the castle near St Euny's Church. It has a plaque by Carn Brea Parish Trails reading "St Euny Well. Holy well of St Euny visited by the Celtic Missionary 500AD". Stories about its sacred use may be confused with St Euny's Well at Sancreed (see Carn Euny).

Events

At Easter Redruth Baptist Church erects a lit cross on the outcrop behind the Castle overlooking Redruth. For many years a Christian sunrise service has been held on Easter Sunday.

The Midsummer Eve (St. John's Eve, 23 June) bonfire ceremony originated as a pagan ritual. Prayers are read in Cornish and the bonfire is lit, signalling other fires to be lit at Sennen, Sancreed Beacon, Carn Galver to the Tamar. When only the embers remain, young people leap across them to drive away evil and bring luck.

The Boxing Day meet of the Four Burrow Hunt starts at the top of Carn Brea. Due to the changes in fox hunting legislation foxes are no longer hunted.

See also

Footnotes

  1. "List of Place-names agreed by the MAGA Signage Panel" (PDF). Cornish Language Partnership. May 2014. Archived from the original (PDF) on 29 July 2014. Retrieved 11 January 2015.
  2. Office for National Statistics, Key Figures for 2011 Census: Key Statistics, Area: Carn Brea parish
  3. Ordnance Survey: Landranger map sheet 203 Land's End ISBN 978-0-319-23148-7
  4. Cornwall; Explore Britain
  5. Mercer, R.J. (1970). "The Neolithic Settlement on Carn Brea: Preliminary Report". Cornish Archaeology. 9: 54–62. https://cornisharchaeology.org.uk/volume-9-1970/
  6. ^ Mercer, R.J. (1972). "The Excavation of the Neolithic Settlement, Carn Brea". Cornish Archaeology. 11. https://cornisharchaeology.org.uk/volume-11-1972/
  7. St. Keverne Local History Society. "The Prehistoric use of Gabbroic Clay from St Keverne". Archived from the original on 3 February 2013. Retrieved 11 March 2012.
  8. Cornwall Archaeological Society. Carn Brea, Early Neolithic tor enclosure, c 3700 BC http://www.royalarchinst.org/jubilee/cas Archived 1 December 2017 at the Wayback Machine
  9. Shadowland, Wales 300-1500 BC. Steve Burrow, National Museum of Wales / Oxbow Books, 2011, page 147
  10. As referenced in Mercer, 1970: BORLASE, WILLIAM, Observations on Antiquities ... of the County of Cornwall (Oxford, 1754). ALLEN, D. F., "The origins of coinage in Britain—a reappraisal', in: Frere, S. S., ed.. Problems of the Iron Age in Southern Britain (1960), 97 ff. ALLAN, J., 'The Carn Brea hoard of 1749', Numism. Chron., 6th ser. 8 (1948), 235-6—this 'does not analyse the hoard correctly' (so ALLEN, D. F., art. cit., 287). and for the first 20th-century republication of the hoard, Allen, D. (1944). I.—The Belgic Dynasties of Britain and their Coins. Archaeologia, 90, 1-46. doi:10.1017/S0261340900009747
  11. "About Carn Brea" Archived 29 September 2007 at the Wayback Machine, Carn Brea Protection Group. Retrieved 20 August 2007.
  12. "Pictures of Carn Brea" Archived 8 August 2001 at the Wayback Machine, Parish of Saint Illogan. Retrieved 20 August 2007.
  13. "Carn Brea Castle" Archived 29 August 2007 at the Wayback Machine, Follies and Monuments, FollyTowers.com. Retrieved 20 August 2007.
  14. "Some frauds of a very peculiar and extensive nature have been discovered". The Times. 18 July 1829. p. 4.
  15. "Carn Brea Castle, Redruth – Cornwall", Restaurants in Cornwall, EatOutCornwall.com. Retrieved 20 August 2007.
  16. "Harry Potter's stolen car appears at castle". The Scotsman. 19 May 2006. Retrieved 30 October 2006.
  17. "The Bassets of Tehidy" Archived 28 September 2007 at the Wayback Machine, Cornish History Reference Files, CornishWorld.net. Retrieved 20 August 2007.
  18. "Parliamentary Intelligence, House of Lords". The Times. 3 June 1828.
  19. As shown by the stone inscription on the south of the monument. See inscription text on Basset Cross photograph
  20. "Tuesday's Post". Jackson's Oxford Journal. 17 September 1836. A chaste and elegant monument from the chisel of Westmacott put up in parish of Illogan, Cornwall, to the memory of the late Lord De Dunstanville
  21. Curran, Bob (2005). Celtic Lore & Legend: meet the gods, heroes, kings, fairies, monsters and ghosts of yore. New Page Books. p. 36. ISBN 978-1-56414-786-8.
  22. (Tangye 1981)
  23. (Historic Environment Service 2006, p. 3)
  24. Noall, Cyril (1963). The Cornish Midsummer Eve bonfire celebrations. Federation of Old Cornwall Societies. Publications. Federation of Old Cornwall Societies. OCLC 30233069.
  25. "This could be the last time". Bridgewater Mercury. 3 January 2003. Archived from the original on 29 September 2007. Retrieved 30 October 2006.
  26. "Ban? What Ban?". Smallholder. 28 December 2005. Retrieved 30 October 2006.

References

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