TREVETHY QUOIT
TREVETHY QUOIT
Near the village of St Cleer, on a raised mound in a field, stands this colossal dolmen.
It is the largest in Cornwall and one of Britains most famous prehistoric stone structures.
Its gigantic capstone is balanced diagonally in a dramatic position and supported by just three of its six upright stones. The design of this quoit includes an inner-chamber and antechamber, and the whole structure is thought to have originally been covered in earth.
There is an intriguing small hole within the capstones NE corner measuring approx 6inches by 8inches. One possible theory is that this hole was used for astronomical viewing; this is, however, just speculative and ultimately remains a mystery.
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Another interesting feature is a rectangular cut-out within the side of the upright stone which forms the front of the entrance to the main chamber. This stone can also be slid open to gain access.
DIMENSIONS:
CAPSTONE WEIGHT: 11 tons | CAPSTONE LENGTH: 4.2m | QUOIT HEIGHT: 4/4.3m
Its gigantic capstone is balanced diagonally in a dramatic position and supported by just three of its six upright stones. The design of this quoit includes an inner-chamber and antechamber, and the whole structure is thought to have originally been covered in earth.
There is an intriguing small hole within the capstones NE corner measuring approx 6inches by 8inches. One possible theory is that this hole was used for astronomical viewing; this is, however, just speculative and ultimately remains a mystery.
-
Another interesting feature is a rectangular cut-out within the side of the upright stone which forms the front of the entrance to the main chamber. This stone can also be slid open to gain access.
DIMENSIONS:
CAPSTONE WEIGHT: 11 tons | CAPSTONE LENGTH: 4.2m | QUOIT HEIGHT: 4/4.3m