In Autumn 2025, we were 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”.
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.
The dig was 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.
The project was a collaboration between Historic England, Cornwall Archaeological Society and Cornwall Heritage Trust.
It involved a four-week archaeological excavation to target important questions about the monument’s character, date and potential later reuse. A significant number of volunteers were directly involved in the dig and worked alongside professional archaeologists.
A comprehensive community outreach programme ran alongside the excavation, ensuring the dig was as socially meaningful as it was scientifically important. Guided tours, public talks, school visits, art installations, volunteering opportunities, community group sessions, and a social prescribing programme collectively engaged 1,858 people. Accessibility, learning, and shared stewardship were central principles, encouraging people of all ages to connect with the site’s deep past. The programme was rounded off with a celebration and public open day.
The excavation was funded and directed by Historic England and supported by staff from Cornwall Archaeological Unit. Volunteering and outreach were made possible through a £42,990 grant to Cornwall Archaeological Society from The National Lottery Heritage Fund and a £10,000 grant from Historic England.
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Made possible by funding from…
The ‘Castilly Henge: examining, illuminating and sustaining Cornwall’s ancient sacred heart’ project is made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to National Lottery players, we have been able to support the site’s archaeological excavation with community volunteers, community engagement, numerous forms of outreach, and site management.
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 is 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.
Please cite this resource as: ‘Castilly Henge Excavation’ Mike Davey (2025), supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, CC BY 4.0.
