Help our charity raise the £50,000 needed to acquire and secure the future of a unique prehistoric ritual site described by experts as “Cornwall’s ancient sacred heart” – Castilly Henge. 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.
An important ancient place…
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.
Excitingly, recent surveys undertaken by Historic England’s Archaeological Investigation Team discovered 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.
A four-week archaeological excavation is set to take place at the monument in September and October 2025 to target important questions about these findings to understand more about the monument’s character, date and potential later reuse.
Heritage at Risk…
The archaeology and biodiversity of Castilly Henge are currently at risk due to the threat posed by invasive vegetation. Modern development of the nearby road infrastructure and local service network, which lie within metres of the site, also poses potential risks.
It is currently inaccessible to the public and, despite much media attention over the last few years, many don’t know where it is located and how important it is.
Our charity has been protecting historic landscapes and monuments across Cornwall for the last 40 years. We have a strong track record of giving these special places the archaeological and land management expertise they need and have helped save a number from the Heritage at Risk Register. Help us do the same for Castilly Henge!
Join the fight for your heritage…
Your donation will help us to rescue Castilly Henge, secure its future through active management and enable the public to visit it for free all year round.
As a small, independent charity, every donation makes a huge difference to this urgent appeal.
Thank you so much for your support!
