Investigating Archaeology and Astronomy at The Hurlers, Cornwall 2013–2019

Abstract

Two projects – “Mapping the Sun” and “Reading the Hurlers” – have shone new light on the multiple stone circle complex, The Hurlers, on Bodmin Moor, Cornwall, in southwest Britain. In 2013, excavation revealed a stone “pavement” between the central and northern circles: this inter-circle link had first been discovered in 1938 but had then been re-covered. Work in 2016 discovered a solitary fallen (once standing) stone which lay 100 m to the north of The Hurlers complex. Geological studies of the standing stones accompanied by astronomical surveys have prompted new insights into the make-up of this monument, its landscape setting and astronomical significance. Astronomical observations of this major Bronze Age landscape reveal a design with significant alignments between key monuments and near and distant landmarks. Additional astronomical links suggest a number of interesting phenomena which would be experienced at the site, particularly surrounding the materiality of the inter-circle link.