The Mên-an-Tol: A Mysterious Prehistoric Monument in Cornwall dates back approximately 3,500 years.

The Mên-an-Tol (Cornish: Men an Toll) is a small but intriguing formation of standing stones located in Cornwall, UK, about three miles northwest of Madron. Locally known as the “Crick Stone,” the Mên-an-Tol sits near the road from Madron to Morvah. Mên-an-Tol nằm gần đường Madron đến Morvah ở Cornwall. Interestingly, the iconic holed stone may have originally been a natural formation rather than a deliberately sculpted one.

The Mên-an-Tol in England is a small formation of standing stones located in Cornwall. Known for its iconic circular holed stone, it has intrigued visitors and researchers alike. The site’s purpose remains a mystery, but it’s believed to date back to the Neolithic or Bronze Age. The Mên-an-Tol stands as a testament to the region’s rich prehistoric past and continues to be a subject of folklore and archaeological interest.

The Mên-an-Tol, with its distinctive holed stone, was first noted in modern times by antiquarians in the 18th century. William Borlase, a Cornish antiquarian, documented it in 1769. The site’s creators remain unknown, but it likely dates back to the Neolithic or early Bronze Age. Over time, the Mên-an-Tol has sparked curiosity and remains an archaeological enigma.

Excavations in the 19th century led by J.T. Blight suggested that the Mên-an-Tol might have been part of a stone circle or a tomb. The site consists of three main stones: two upright stones with the holed stone between them. The Mên-an-Tol features three primary stones: a central circular holed stone flanked by two upright stones. The centerpiece, the holed stone, measures approximately 1.3 meters in diameter, crafted from local granite with a perfectly round hole in its center. The two accompanying standing stones are similar in height to the holed stone but are unadorned and lack any carvings or openings.

What can be seen today are the remains of a stone circle, which probably originally consisted of 19 stones, as do the other circles in West Penwith. This circle, however, had the unique feature of a holed stone included. The precise location and function of this holed stone is unknown. It may have been moved at some time in the past, and indeed may once have faced at right angles to its present position.

Mên-an-Tol (meaning ‘stone with a hole’ in Cornish) is believed to possess various healing and magical powers, particularly from the perspective of more recent folklore. The local nickname “Crick Stone” hints at its purported capacity to assist individuals with back pain, while in past years, children afflicted with rickets and tuberculosis were also brought to this expanse of moorland near Madron. The tradition of passing afflicted individuals through the hole as a form of ritual healing is well-documented. This practice indicates that the site may have held a significant place in the cultural and spiritual life of the local population throughout history.

The Mên-an-Tol remains protected as a Scheduled Ancient Monument, ensuring its preservation for future generations. While its exact origins and purpose may never be fully understood, it stands as a captivating piece of Cornwall’s prehistoric landscape.

Mysteries surrounding the Mên-an-Tol include the original configuration of the stones and the extent of the site. It’s unclear if more stones were present in the past or if the current stones have been rearranged over time. The site’s connection to other megalithic structures in the region is also a topic of interest.

Despite its small size, the Mên-an-Tol is a significant landmark within the Cornish landscape. Its isolated location adds to the mystery and allure of the site. The surrounding area is rich in archaeological remains, indicating that the region was of importance to prehistoric communities. Historical records provide little information on the Mên-an-Tol, leaving interpretations largely to archaeological evidence and folklore. The site’s age has been estimated through comparative dating methods, as direct dating of the stones is challenging.