 Fernacre stone circle | |
  Shown within Cornwall | |
| Location | Bodmin Moor, Cornwall |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 50°35′24″N4°37′21″W / 50.58995°N 4.62237°W /50.58995; -4.62237 |
| Type | Stone circle |
| History | |
| Periods | Bronze Age |
Fernacre (grid referenceSX14477997), also known asFernacre stone circle orFernacre circle, is astone circle located on the slopes of theDe Lank River, 1.25 miles (2.01 km) northeast ofSt Breward onBodmin Moor in Cornwall in the United Kingdom.[1][2]
It has been suggested to meanbracken-land or come from the old plural forfairy;feren, who was said to be sacred to the ancientCornish.[3][4] Fernacre is one of the biggest stone circles in Cornwall. It is slightly flattened in a northwest to southeast direction, measuring 46.2 metres (152 ft) by 43.3 metres (142 ft)[5] The circle contains some 68 or 69 stones with a further 3 displaced within, 38 or 39 remain standing upright. They are deeply sunk into the soil with the tallest stone measuring 1.3 metres (4.3 ft) high and the longest fallen stone 2.1 metres (6.9 ft).[6] Fernacre is a marker for the start of amedievaldrove road fromRough Tor toGarrow.[2]
The ruins of what was called Fernacre farm were first recorded in 1327AD.[7] Numeroushut circles dot the landscape nearby and it has been suggested that the dating for Fernacre is contemporary with these.[8] No bones or remains were found in these hut circles, only a few flaked flints gave clues to its occupation.[9] The Fernacre settlement covered 164 acres, of which 84 show signs of having been farmed.[2] The dating of the sites is uncertain. However, it has been suggested to have been constructed either in theNeolithic orBronze Age.[10] There are signs that the circle had a retaining bank of earth on its southeast.[11]
Fernacre carries a pivotal location betweenRough Tor located due north andBrown Willy located due east.[12]Garrow Tor also lies to the east andLouden Hill to the west-southwest. It is only 100 ft from being in a direct line in an easterly direction betweenStannon andBrown Willy Cairns; another small erect stone stands in this line eastwards on the way toBrown Willy which has been suggested to mark the equinox sunrise.[4][13] William Page note that when viewed from the centre of Fernacre circle the sunset on 1 May would align approximately with Louden Hill.[14]
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