21st June 2023
Tregiffian Barrow (Hirvedh Treguhyon in Kernewek), also called Cruk Tregyffian, is a stunning Scillonian chamber tomb located a stones throw from the Merry Maiden’s circle, just past Nansmornow. It’s been cut in half by the road right beside it, but 4.3 meter long & 1.2 meter wide chamber survived, while half the kerbstones did not. There are three massive capstones still in place while their fourth fellow has fallen. The most visually exciting part of the tomb is now kept safe in Cornwall Museum over in Truru – a cupmarked stone. There’s a cast in situ at the tomb as part of the entry so the impression is not lost.
Archaeological study has found both bone fragments from cremation & urns along side flints, as well as the potential for the tomb to have been used at least twice by a community – if not more. The contents have been dated to 1900 BC and there are some light theories that it formed a ritual or religious complex along with the surrounding stones.
megalithic.co.uk
