Caer Bran
Cornwall Information & Accommodation Guide
Caer Bran is a prominent hill topped by a hillfort dating from the Iron Age. It is located in the parish of Sancreed close to several other sites of archaeological interest.
It is a large flat, circular site in a prominent position which would have contained a settlement defended by ditches and a bank. The outer rampart stands up to feet (4.6 metres) high. The best surviving defences are to the north.
Within the hillfort are the remains of two or more stone hut circles with the largest being 16 metres in diameter. William Borlase, the famous antiquarian, mentions one of these circles in his book 'Antiquities Historical and Monumental of the County of Cornwall' (1754). Recent research suggests that the feature is oval rather than circular and is likely to be the remains of a Bronze Age ring cairn. Other suggestions have included that it might be a pound or the remains of a shaft collar.
More recent use of the site for mineral exploration from the medieval period onwards has left pits and spoil heaps across the site.
Formerly, the site was probably a cairn enclosure.
Within the site are the remains of three Bronze Age ring cairns.
The original entrance to the hillfort, a causeway across the ditch, points towards St Michael's Mount to the east.
In Cornish, the name 'Bran' refers to a crow or raven. This could refer to Bran the Blessed, a King of Britain well known in the mythology of Wales. In nearby Madron parish, a standing stone known as Men Scryfa, bears the name Bran - 'Rialobran' translating to 'royal or kingly Bran' or 'Royal raven'.
It has been suggested that Bran retreated to his fort at Caer Bran after being attacked by an invading force. During a later battle he is believed to have been killed and the Men Scryfa marks the location of his death.
Local folklore associates the site as a place of protection from evil spirits. Piskies, in Cornish, Pobel Vean (Little People) are also associated with the site.
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