An archaeological excavation at Trethevy Quoit near Darite has made an exciting discovery which means that our understanding of the prehistoric site will have to be reassessed.
Between 9th and 13th July, more than thirty volunteers took part in the dig, which was supervised by Andy Jones and Ryan Smith of the Cornwall Archaeological Unit.
A geophysical survey had been undertaken in the field around the monument earlier this year and recorded a number of below-ground anomalies, which were targeted through excavation.
The largest below-ground feature was positioned close to the Quoit itself and, on investigation, this was found to be a significant platform of greenstone. The material had been quarried locally and brought to the site. It was clearly an integral part of the monument.
cornwallheritagetrust.org/exciting-discovery-at-trethevy-quoit-archaeological-dig/
It was a wonderful dig in wonderful weather with wonderful folk and I enjoyed it immensely. Greenstone was found in just about every test pit throughout the field but certainly not in the quantity, size and depth of the 'platform pit' adjacent to the Quoit.
This vid clip I shot gives you an indication of where exactly the pit was amongst all the others close to the monument. As the vid sweeps around to the left, you will see two guys sieving away. It was their test pit next to them that had the honour of revealing the platform as it was the deep one. The small red flags seen marked the demarcation area we were not allowed to excavate in, the quoit being a Scheduled Monument.
photos.app.goo.gl/s4CRS98yTs9amVT86
Also : Winnards Perch, (SW 9236 6669), Wardell Armstrong Archaeology, c.2015 > commercial evaluation (was there ever an excavation...:/)
Quartz Platform (="ploughed-out barrow" sic), 'track-ways', natural spring, neo/ba flintwork (no ceramic), and at least one impacted round barrow....