The Duloe Stone Circle is a unique archaeological site located in South East Cornwall, distinguished by its white quartz monoliths and compact oval shape. The monument dates back to the Bronze Age, with historical sources detailing the discovery of a funerary urn containing human remains during restoration efforts in the nineteenth century.
Visit Date: April 2026
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| Duloe Stone Circle : (looking north) |
The Duloe Stone Circle is a unique archaeological site located in South East Cornwall, distinguished by its white quartz monoliths and compact oval shape. The monument dates back to the Bronze Age, with historical sources detailing the discovery of a funerary urn containing human remains during restoration efforts in the nineteenth century.
The circle consists of eight large white quartz stones, making it unique among Cornish stone circles. Currently, seven stones remain standing, while one is recumbent (lying on its side). The stones vary in height, ranging from 1.0 metre to approximately 2.7 metres, with the tallest stone historically recorded at about 9 feet (2.7 m). The largest stones are estimated to weigh between 9 and 12 tons, and it is believed that it would have taken roughly 35 people to move and erect a single 9-ton stone.
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| Duloe Stone Circle |
The stones are arranged in an alternating pattern of large and small stones. The four largest stones are positioned at the cardinal points (North, South, East, and West), with four smaller stones filling the gaps in between.
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| Duloe Stone Circle |
Recent geophysical surveys conducted in 2013 and 2016 revealed that the structure is more complex than what is visible on the surface. A strong U-shaped magnetic response in the centre of the circle suggests the existence of a central stone cist (burial chamber) measuring approximately 2.5 m by 3 m. This is the only stone circle in Cornwall currently known to contain evidence of a central cist. The surveys also identified a previously unknown circular ditch surrounding the monument, located about 4–5 metres beyond the stones, measuring roughly 18 m by 21 m. Additionally, several smaller circular anomalies, about 1 metre in diameter, surround the central feature; these may represent a sequence of prehistoric pits for ritual offerings or postholes from an earlier timber structure.
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| Duloe Stone Circle |
What sets the Duloe Stone Circle apart from other Cornish stone circles is its construction entirely of white quartz. While other circles, like Boscawen-un, may feature a single white quartz stone, Duloe's exclusive use of this material distinguishes it from its counterparts on Bodmin Moor, which were typically built over granite bedrock. The significance of the white quartz stones at Duloe lies in their unique composition, symbolic associations, and the immense social effort required for their construction.
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| Duloe Stone Circle |
The visual impact of the quartz was likely a primary reason for its selection. The stones appear almost white in bright sunlight and are said to shine brightly in the moonlight. Archaeologists suggest that quartz may have had prehistoric connections to fire, the moon, or the sea. The "mystical" nature of activities at the site such as potential metalworking in the late prehistoric period may have been enhanced by the reflection of fire against the white quartz.
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| Duloe Stone Circle |
The choice of these specific stones indicates a highly organized and resourceful society. Because quartz stones of this size are not readily available in the immediate vicinity, they had to be specifically sourced and transported to the site.
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| Duloe Stone Circle : (Close Up) |
The presence of the quartz stones is also linked to the site's function as a burial place. The discovery of a Bronze Age ribbon-handled urn containing cremated human remains found either under the largest stone or within a former hedge suggests that the circle served as a significant ceremonial or funerary monument.
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SX 23585 58309 Elevation 425FT
Visiting is easy with a near by car park (50.39585053176463, -4.484665805185307) for about 4 cars and then a short walk that is well signposted.
There are no facilities here but plenty in the small village just up the road.
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