Cornwall Heritage Trust Takes Control of Cornwall’s Smallest Stone Circle

Images: Cornwall Heritage Trust

In a groundbreaking announcement that will send shivers down the spines of history enthusiasts, Cornwall Heritage Trust has taken on the responsibility of preserving Cornwall’s smallest stone circle, the Duloe Stone Circle. Situated at the southern end of the picturesque village of Duloe, between Liskeard and Looe, this ancient site holds centuries-old secrets waiting to be unravelled.

A Glimpse into the Past

Duloe Stone Circle stands as an oval ring comprised of eight remarkable stones, all crafted from white quartz, making it unique among Cornish circles. Seven of these stones still stand upright, varying in height from 1.0 to 2.4 meters. Astonishingly, it’s estimated that around 35 individuals once gathered to move and raise the four largest stones, weighing up to a staggering 9 tons each. Positioned approximately at the cardinal points – north, south, east, and west – these imposing stones have intrigued archaeologists for generations.

Unraveling the Mysteries

Despite extensive research, stone circles like Duloe remain enigmatic to this day. Dating back to the later third and early second millennia BCE, these sites are believed to have served as gathering places for ancient communities. Activities conducted here included ceremonial rituals, some possibly involving astronomical observations, while others likely paid homage to ancestors and spirits believed to inhabit these sacred spaces. Duloe’s unique location on a ridge between two densely wooded valleys hints at its significance during its construction, showcasing the sophistication of the societies responsible for these grand structures.

A Long Overdue Recognition

Duloe Stone Circle’s historical significance was first documented in 1801, an unassuming find near the village church. Later, in 1858, the circle was bisected by a hedge, which was eventually removed in 1863. This removal led to the discovery of a Bronze Age urn containing cremated human remains, sparking theories that the circle may encircle a low barrow.

Cathy Woolcock, Cornwall Heritage Trust CEO, Excited About the New Stewardship

Cathy Woolcock, CEO of Cornwall Heritage Trust, expressed her enthusiasm for this new undertaking, stating, “The phrase ‘small but mighty’ always comes to mind with Duloe. Its size – the smallness of the circle but the largeness of the stones – is at the heart of what makes it unique and the experience of visiting there so special. It has been a long time coming to bring the stone circle into our care, and we’re hugely grateful to the Duchy and Coodes Solicitors for all their support in making our management of it possible.”

Preserving Cornwall’s Rich Heritage

Cornwall Heritage Trust has now added Duloe Stone Circle to its roster of 16 historic sites across Cornwall. These include iconic locations like Lammana Chapel, St Cleer Holy Well and Cross, and Treffry Viaduct, along with three other stone circles at the Hurlers. While some sites are managed on behalf of other organisations, the charity has outright ownership of many, including Tregonning Hill, which it acquired in November 2023.

Supporting the Preservation Effort

In response to its expanding portfolio, the charity recently launched a Historic Sites Fund Appeal to secure the funding needed to acquire and maintain historic Cornish sites. With these efforts, Cornwall Heritage Trust is committed to safeguarding the past for future generations to marvel at and explore, ensuring that Cornwall’s rich heritage remains intact for centuries to come.