We are part of a major project to reveal the secrets of Castilly Henge – a unique prehistoric ritual site described by experts as “Cornwall’s ancient sacred heart”.
The project will involve a four-week archaeological excavation in September and October 2025 to target important questions about the monument’s character, date and potential later reuse.
The dig will run from Monday 15th September until Saturday 11th October 2025.
The excavation is funded by Historic England. Outreach for the project has been made possible by a £42,990 grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and a £10,000 grant from Historic England.
Located just off the A30 near Bodmin, 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 (c.2400-1500 BCE) when several high-status burial mounds or barrows were built close by.
Previous researchers have suggested that the site might have been used as a medieval open-air theatre known as a plen-an-gwari and then as a battery during the English Civil War.
The dig is informed by earthwork and geophysical surveys undertaken by Historic England’s Archaeological Investigation Team as part of a previous project in 2022. This found traces of a now-removed possible stone circle in the middle of the henge. Not all henges contain stone circles, and there is only one other known to survive in Cornwall.
Community Involvement
A significant number of volunteers to be directly involved in the dig and work alongside seasoned excavators. Due to the high number of expressions of interest received, applications to volunteer at the dig are now closed to the general public.
There will also be a wide range of outreach activities, tours and educational workshops to involve local communities in the project as much as possible. The works will be rounded off with a celebration and public open day.
Full details can be found by clicking the links above and below.
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Excavation Open Day
For the first time, visitors are invited to explore the archaeological excavation at Castilly Henge – a major project targeting important questions about the character, date and potential later reuse of this unique prehistoric ritual site.
Location: Castilly Henge, Castle Hill, Lanivet, Bodmin PL30 5HX
Date: Saturday 11th October
Time: 11am–3pm
Price: Free
Transport and parking
Limited parking will be available in the layby at the base of the site.
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If this is full, vehicles can be parked at Lanivet Parish Community Centre, where there will be a park and ride minibus shuttle service in operation.
Address: One For All, Lanivet Parish Community Centre, Carters Parc, Rectory Rd, Lanivet, Bodmin, PL30 5HG
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If you wish to use public transport, the Number 26 bus from St Austell to Bodmin stops at the Community Centre opposite the car park. From here, you can board the minibus shuttle service to reach the site.
About the event
Located just off the A30 near Bodmin, 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 (c.2400-1500 BCE) when several high-status burial mounds or barrows were built close by.
Previous researchers have suggested that the site might have been used as a medieval open-air theatre known as a plen-an-gwari and then as a battery during the English Civil War.
The dig has been informed by aerial, earthwork and geophysical surveys undertaken by Historic England’s Archaeological Investigation Team as part of a previous project in 2022. This found traces of a now-removed possible stone circle in the middle of the henge. Not all henges contain stone circles, and there is only one other known to survive in Cornwall.
The Open Day is your chance to have never-before-seen access and insight into this special place with activities including…
- See the archaeology which has been uncovered in the trenches
- Meet the volunteers and archaeologists who have been working at the site
- Explore the site with Dr Olaf Bayer, Senior Archaeological Investigator at Historic England
- Experience the ancient art of flint knapping with Devon and Cornwall Bushcraft
- Create a cyanotype print with Cornwall-based contemporary artist, Robin James Sullivan, and add it to our large-scale willow stone sculptures, similar to those that may have been present at Castilly Henge during the Neolithic period
- Build your own stone circle to take home
- Listen to stories of Neolithic life with Multivax
- Learn more about Cornwall Archaeological Society
- Get a taste of historic food with Cornwall Heritage Trust’s Countryside Rangers
Support our Castilly Henge Appeal!
Help Cornwall Heritage Trust raise the £50,000 needed to acquire and secure the future of this special place. Every donation makes a huge difference.
Despite being one of the South-West’s most important and best-researched late Neolithic sites, this Scheduled Monument is currently at risk due to the threat posed by invasive vegetation and inaccessible to the public.
This is a rare opportunity to ensure Castilly Henge is protected and that everyone can enjoy it once and for all.
