Duloe Stone Circle

Duloe stone circle is unique in Cornwall owing to its diminutive diameter (under 12m) and the size of its unusual white stones. Very rich in quartz, veins of translucent white run down the eight lichen-covered stones which stand up to 2.6m tall and 2.3m wide. The stones seem to be laid in an alternating fashion: large then small and so on.

Although actually oval in shape, this 'circle' was first recorded in the C14th, but only fully recognised as an important ancient site in the early C19th, prompting the removal of a more modern hedge which crossed it and restoration which unearthed a ribbon-handled funereal urn, though sadly also dislodged and broke the largest stone. However, two further original stones were recovered from the hedge and replaced in the circle. Removal of standing stones for building was common for many years.

Some believe that there was once a cairn, or stone mound, within the circle implying that it would have had ceremonial relevance when built in the Bronze Age. The existence of the urn, which contained human remains, backs this up. One could also say that the 8 stones roughly represent the points of the compass, thus tying it to astronomical observation and ritual.