 In the 18th Century, Lanyon Quoit was tall enough for a person on horse back to stand under. The capstone rested at seven feet high with dimensions of nine feet by 17-1/2 feet and weighing 13-1/2 tons. The monument is thought to be a burial chamber, although some observers state that it may have been more of a masoleum than a grave.
In 1815, Lanyon Quoit was torn down by a storm. Nine years later, enough money was raised by local inhabitants to re-erect the structure. During the storm one of the uprights was broken in half. Thus, there are only three uprights today, and the structure does not stand as high as it once did.
Before the collapse of the structure, it was said to be aligned with the cardinal directions (North, South, East, and West). This gives historians and archaeologists reason to believe that the structure was often used for ritual activity.
About Lanyon Quoit
Megalithic Portal: Lanyon Quoit
The Modern Antiquarian: Lanyon Quoit
Stone Pages: Lanyon Quoit
Wikipedia: Lanyon Quoit
Wikipedia: Dolmen
Journey to Lanyon Quoit
Lanyon Quoit is located off the Madron-Morvah road in the West Penwith area of Cornwall in southwest England. There is a small parking space on the road, and the quoit is in an adjacent field.
Streetmap UK NGR SW42983369.
Visitors Information
Visitors information for Lanyon Quoit may be found at the geograph website. For general Cornwall tourist information, see the Visit Cornwall website.
Additional Photos of Lanyon Quoit
National Trust Sign for Lanyon Quoit
Lanyon Quoit (2005)
Lanyon Quoit (2005)
Approaching Lanyon Quoit in 2011
Lanyon Quoit
Lanyon Quoit
Lanyon Quoit
Stones Near Lanyon Quoit that May be a Cist or Small Chamber
Leaving Lanyon Quoit
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