The Merry Maidens

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The Archaeological Significance of The Merry Maidens Stone Circle

The Merry Maidens, also monikered as ‘Dawns Myen’, is one of the most pristine late Neolithic or early Bronze Age stone circles located in the United Kingdom. Situated approximately 2 miles to the south of St Buryan in the county of Cornwall, this stone circle is noteworthy for its current unbroken circle of nineteen granite stones. Archaeological evidence dates the formation of The Merry Maidens to approximately 2500 to 1500 BC, positioning it squarely within a significant period in the prehistoric era wherein megalithic structures were widely constructed across the British Isles.

Physical Composition and Layout

The stone circle has a diameter of approximately 24 meters, and its component stones vary in height, with the tallest reaching nearly 1.4 meters. Each stone is spaced 3 to 3.5 meters apart from each other. These facts point towards an organized and deliberate construction process that would have required a significant communal effort at the time. Moreover, the nearly perfect circular layout of The Merry Maidens speaks to the advanced understanding of geometry and space by its creators.

Local Folklore

A rich tapestry of folklore has been woven around The Merry Maidens. Local legend perpetuates that the stones are a petrified group of young girls who were turned to stone for dancing on the Sabbath. Two megaliths known as ‘The Pipers’, situated to the northwest, are similarly mythologized as the musicians who played for the dancers. Folktales such as these highlight the integration of the stone circle into the cultural consciousness and historical narrative of Cornwall.

Archeological Investigations and Conservation

Though not extensively excavated like many of its counterparts across the British Isles, The Merry Maidens has been the subject of archaeological interest and conservation efforts. Any excavations or disturbances to the site have been minimal, thereby preserving its original state as accurately as possible. This approach to conservation has maintained the integrity of the site, allowing for speculation based on its undisturbed nature rather than on reconstruction efforts that can sometimes obscure the original context of archaeological sites.

Associations with Other Neolithic Sites

The Merry Maidens is associated with other Neolithic and Bronze Age monuments situated in its proximity, including two stone circles known as the Tregeseal East circles. This clustering of megalithic sites suggests a broader cultural and possibly religious landscape that once existed in the region. The stone circle thus informs on a microcosm of prehistoric activity that fits into a larger puzzle of megalithic construction throughout Western Europe.

Public Access and Cultural Impact

Today, The Merry Maidens is easily accessible to the public and is a known tourist attraction in Cornwall. Its visibility and the relative preservation of the circle have made it a cultural landmark, echoing the ancient past into the present day. It continues to play a pivotal role in the identity and historical narrative of the local community, while also contributing to scholarly discussions on Neolithic societies in the British Isles.

Conclusion

In summary, The Merry Maidens stone circle is a significant archaeological site that has retained much of its original layout and composition. It is embedded with local folklore while interfacing with similar Neolithic and early Bronze Age megalithic structures in the surrounding landscape. The preservation and easy accessibility of the site have rendered it a potent symbol and physical testament to the profound and complex megalithic culture that once prevailed across much of Western Europe. As research continues, sites such as The Merry Maidens stand to further elucidate the customs, beliefs, and societal organizations of our prehistoric ancestors.

Sources:

Wikipedia