Brane

Just to the west of this lovely hamlet is the fascinating Iron Age courtyard village of Carn Euny, founded around 200 BC by an early Cornish farming community, though there is evidence that the site was inhabited long before this. By far the most impressive building here is the Fogou, which was first discovered by miners in the 19th century. Taking its name from the Cornish for ‘cave’, this underground chamber was constructed in three separate stages and this 65 feet long room was entered by a low, ‘creep’ passage at one end. Its purpose is still unclear although it may have been used for storage or for religious ceremonies. Immediately west of Carn Euny is Bartinney Downs, a large area of heathland being managed with a programme of controlled cattle and sheep grazing and cutting of scrub that will result in a high-quality wildlife area. As well as improving and extending existing wildlife habitats, the scheme will conserve archaeological sites and historic features, which include old china clay works, abandoned quarries and the ruins of Bartinney Castle.

Available Guidebooks for this region:

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