Re: Trevethy Quoit | Forum — The Modern Antiquarian

Trethevy Quoit 11

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Trevethy Quoit

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tiompan Apr 18, 2011 12:05:52

Replying to stonefree

stonefree wrote:

There are alignments to summer solstice (sunrise and sunset!) and winter solstice sunset (we are unable, as yet, to ascertain any winter solstice sunrise alignment because nearby houses totally obscure this position!)
We are also astounded by our most recent discovery of what appear to be the remnants of potential 'figurative' carvings on various surfaces, only visible for short periods of time when the sun hits them obliquely!

I won't repeat possible problems mentioned on another forum ,unless anyone wants them .
It's not too difficult to calculate orientations blocked by buildings etc , a quick look suggests that somewhere between 128.5 -129 degrees will be fit the bill and the height spot of 164 m just to the west of Furlsdon could be the horizon .
Rock art photographers use various methods to achieve oblique lighting to highlight worn or difficult to see markings . Any chance of some pics of the markings ?

Sanctuary Apr 18, 2011 12:48:47

Replying to tiompan

tiompan wrote:

stonefree wrote:

I won't repeat possible problems mentioned on another forum ,unless anyone wants them .
It's not too difficult calculate orientations blocked by buildings etc , a quick look suggests that somewhere between 128.5 -129 degrees will be fit the bill and the height spot of 164 m just to the west of Furlsdon could be the horizon spot .
Rock art photographers usue various methods to achieve oblique lighting to highlight worn or difficult to see markings .Any chance of some pics ?

Hi George,
As you know I only live about 15 minutes away from Trethevy (not Trevethy as titled) and in my opinion (without looking at the work done by others) I would guess that at some stage it has fallen and been re-erected...badly!! The fallen internal closure stone is far too tall to be either in the right place or served another purpose originally and in my opinion a couple of side uprights are also misplaced. But in fairness I have never undertaken serious research on it but strangley enough was going to do that this year.

stonefree Apr 18, 2011 20:12:11

Replying to tiompan

We can easily approximate the position of winter solstice sunrise, but such effects need to be witnessed directly for proof e.g. Newgrange.
We have used oblique lighting at night for one of the 'carvings' but have since discovered another potential example on our visit last week. I'll upload a few images of them soon.

Horsedrawn Apr 18, 2011 23:08:00

Replying to tiompan

Yes, we worked out the direction which is fairly easy but the problem here is that the houses prevent the underside of the capstone being lit at midwinter sunrise.
The capstone has a worked area on its underside upon which shadows play at sunrise. The way it does this at midsummer and spring as well as autumn, is recorded, and movement of these shadows across the worked surface is under study. Unfortunately the midwinter lightshow can only be construed and this is a pity for at that time of year the light would come through the SE apertures, which behave in a completely different way to the NE apertures. This sounds as clear as mud. Hope it helps.

David Kane.