Andy Burnham's Blog, page 83

The Mengu Stone

An ancient stone in Saint Austell town, now lying flat in the churchyard. It was originally situated at the junction of Fore Street, Church Street and Menacuddle Street (now part of North Street). The stone was a focal point for announcements, declarations of war, proclamations of peace, public notices and for the sale of any impounded livestock. The plaque says it has been moved twice and there is a photo of it upright in the tiny town museum.

Coët Correc allée couverte

A few kilometres to the east of Liscuis can be found this nice allée couverte. Once off the busy N.164 Road, it is thankfully signposted, as it's a bit of a tortuous journey to get there. From a parking place up a steep lane, it's then several hundred metres of walking, some of which is overgrown, to find the monument. Once you get there, you are immediately taken aback by what has happened to it, presumably as an act of christianisation, as a large double staircased calvary has been built right over the end of the chamber! A most interesting feature.

Velda Mound

Velda Mound (8LE44) is a Native American archaeological site located in northern Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida. The site was first occupied by peoples of the Fort Walton Culture (a regional variation of the Mississippian culture) in the late prehistoric period and during the protohistoric period was part of the extensive Apalachee Province of the panhandle. The site is now owned by the State of Florida and managed as a park.

Behold the Majesty that is Pothenge

Tim Webb writes: Who cannot be moved by this site? It may lack the scope and scale of some and not have the same ambience of others. However it has a certain charm I feel and is possibly a one off that deserves wider attention.

Skelderskew Moor North Central

This is a large stone, about 54 inches tall, roughly squarish measuring about 16 inches east-west at the base, tapering slightly towards the top. The initials RC (Robert Chaloner) are engraved on this face, with the letter G (Guisborough) underneath. The letter H (Havelock?) is engraved on the north face.

Alignement de Danthine

Seven additional menhirs have been discovered during excavations in the fields of Wéris (Durbuy), in the Belgian province of Luxembourg. The Walloon heritage agency has cleaned them up and re-re-erected them in the place where they were originally put up around 5,000 years ago.

New Book: Secret Sacred Sites, 100 hidden holy places by Martin Gray

Sacred sites around the world offer another level of experience to visitors and pilgrims, full of intensity, presence and, for some, higher levels of consciousness. The drawback is often overcrowded places, full of tourists whose presence can ruin this privileged moment.

Muerow Steingrab

A dolmen in Brandenburg, 2.2m long by 1.3m wide, oriented north-west to south-east. With five uprights and one capstone out of the two originals remaining. The site was excavated and restored in 1965 but now has a large bushy headdress.

Coldrum

Recent multi isotope analysis of bones from early 20th Century excavations at Coldrum has revealed that as well as being very early Neolithic, the site was also re-used for burial in the early medieval period. More in the comments. This long barrow is the best preserved of the Kent megalithic tombs and lies about 1/2km from the Pilgrim's Way, clearly signposted from Trottiscliffe village. It is looked after by the National Trust and the public has full access at no charge. It can only be reached on foot.

Bårhaugkampen Hillfort

A hillfort in Akershus, Norway. The hill falls steeply, sometimes precipitously, towards the west and eastwith natural small plateaus. Somewhat gentler slope in the south, gentlest in the north. The area is fortified with four walls that fully or partially follow the rock outcrops and the edge of natural cliffs. They are built of round boulders and quarry stone, sometimes also large blocks. This particularly applies to wall 1.