 Chun Castle is an Iron Age hillfort built about 2500 years ago. Pottery evidence from excavations carried out in the late 1920s-early 1930s suggests that the main period of occupation extended from the 3rd Century B.C. until the early 1st Century A.D., with probable re-occupation in the 5th or 6th Centuries A.D.
Occupying a prominent point on Chun Downs, the settlement is about 280 feet in diameter. Its stone walls are up to nine feet high in places. Originally, the settlement's inner walls stood as high as 20 feet. There are stone gateposts still flanking the entrance. They are staggered to make it harder for an enemy to enter. Inside are the remains of huts, barely recognizable, built when the fort was reused during a subsequent occupation. Two stone walls and ditches encircle the summit of the hill. On the western side there's a well.
About Chun Castle
Cornwall's Archaeological Heritage: Chun Castle
Megalithic Portal: Chun Castle
Stone Pages: Chun Castle
Modern Antiquarian: Chun Castle
Wikipedia: Hill Fort
Journey to Chun Castle
Chun Quoit is located in the West Penwith area of Cornwall in southwest England. From the Madron-Morvah Road, take the minor road heading west toward Great Bosullow and Chun Castle. Follow the narrow road to a farm at the end of the road. Park and walk uphill towards the gorse. There is a stone with a sign on it halfway up the hill. Follow the narrow path through the gorse and arrive at the hillfort settlement of Chun Castle.
Ordnance Survey Map (SW4050033979)
Visitors Information
Visitors information for Chun Castle may be found at the Cornwall's Archaeological Heritage website. For general Cornwall tourist information, see the Visit Cornwall website.
Additional Photos of Chun Castle
Road Sign on Madron-Morvah Road
Road Sign for Chun Castle and Chun Quoit Near Trehyllys Farm
Sign on Stone on Path Uphill to Chun Castle and Chun Quoit
Path Uphill to Chun Castle and Chun Quoit
Chun Castle is Located on Chun Downs
Portion of Stone Wall Around Chun Castle
Entrance to Chun Castle
Interior of Chun Castle
Remains of Hut in Chun Castle Interior
Remains of Hut in Chun Castle Interior
Well in Chun Castle Interior
Standing Stone Outside Chun Castle Entrance and Chun Quoit in the Distance
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