Merry Maidens Stone Circle

Cornwall Information & Accommodation Guide

The Merry Maidens Stone Circle dates from the Bronze Age over 4000 years ago

Its name is believed to derive from the Cornish, 'dawns meyn' meaning 'stone dance'. Other explanations of the name include the variation 'dawns myin' 'dancing stones' and another that it derives from 'merrow maen' 'being mares at the stone'.

Located in St Buryan parish in the West Penwith area which is home to a huge concentration of fascinating prehistoric and early Christian monuments, the Merry Maidens are within walking distance of Lamorna.

The circle consists of 19 stones and has a diameter of nearly 24m (75ft).

The Merry Maidens is thought to have been a ritual ceremonial monument.

The Cornish Gorsedd, Gorseth Kernow, which preserves and celebrates Cornwall's Celtic culture and identity, was held here in September 1932.

The Cornish legend associated with the circle and the nearby standing stones (menhirs), known as The Pipers, is that they were young women dancing and their musicians who were turned to stone for dancing on the sabbath.


G.P.S.Co-ordinates:
N 50 03.913 W 005 35.358

Location:
Located in West Cornwall on the Land's End peninsula.

IntoCornwall Area Map Land's End Peninsula

Road directions to Merry Maidens Stone Circle

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