Castilly Henge Excavation Draws to a Close

Archaeologists from Historic England are a significant step closer to answering new questions about Castilly Henge, near Bodmin in Cornwall. This follows a month-long excavation (15 Sept – 10 Oct) to investigate the late Neolithic site's origins, purpose and how it changed over time. Directed by Ian Barnes of Historic England’s excavation team, the dig is led by archaeologists from Historic England and the Cornwall Archaeological Unit.

Funded by Historic England, this collaborative project builds on the work carried out by archaeologists in the 1960s, using new techniques not available at the time.

Dr Olaf Bayer, Senior Archaeological Investigator at Historic England said:

Community engagement and outreach

Working in partnership with the Cornwall Archaeological Society and the Cornwall Heritage Trust, the dig has been supported by a community engagement and outreach programme.

This involved more than 80 volunteers, visits from more than 300 local school children and connecting over 100 people to their heritage via community groups and social prescribing programmes. The dig culminates with an Open Day on Saturday 11 October.

This outreach programme has been made possible by a £42,990 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to Cornwall Archaeological Society and a £10,000 grant from Historic England.

Cathy Woolcock, Cornwall Heritage Trust CEO said:

History

Castilly Henge is believed to have been built during the late Neolithic period (about 3000 to 2500 BCE). It is a substantial oval earthwork with an external bank and internal ditch, which would have formed an amphitheatre-like setting for gatherings and ritual activities.

Its significance continued into the Early Bronze Age (about 2400 to 1500 BCE) when several high-status burial mounds or barrows were built nearby. Previous researchers have suggested that the site was reused as a medieval theatre (plen-an-gwari) and as a Civil War fortification.

Scientific techniques

Historic England has been investigating anomalies identified by earthwork, aerial and geophysical surveys of the site undertaken three years ago.

Using new techniques not available in the 1960s when it was first excavated, Historic England has been asking new questions about when the henge was built and how it was used, and how it has changed over time. A key question is whether there is evidence of the remains of a now-removed stone circle at the centre of the henge.

Trenches

Three trenches have been dug which examined different aspects of the monument. The first reopened and extended work originally undertaken by eminent Cornish archaeologist Charles Thomas in 1962, investigating the structure of the henge bank and ditch and its later reuse as a possible medieval theatre and Civil War fortification.

Two additional trenches have explored the geophysical anomalies detected in Historic England's survey work, which potentially suggested traces of now removed upright stones or timber posts.

Archaeological finds

Finds include fragments of Neolithic flint tools, post-medieval pottery and a handful of early to mid-20th century coins likely related to the 1960’s excavation.

Next steps:

Finds, soil samples and other deposits are being collected for further research and scientific analysis with results expected in the next 18 months.