Chûn Castle

Chûn Castle is an Iron Age hillfort in Cornwall with stone walls forming concentric circles of inner and outer defensive structures. The ruins show a characteristic design of two defensive rings layered across the hilltop in a pattern roughly 50 meters across.

The fort was built around 2,500 years ago as a defensive structure and remained in use until the first century AD. Later, it saw temporary reoccupation during tin mining activities in the area.

The name comes from Cornish 'Chi an Woon', meaning house on the downs, showing the Celtic language traditions rooted in this region. This naming choice reflects how early settlers understood and described their highland surroundings.

The fort is reached via a marked path beginning at the farmyard and following a white stone marker where pasture meets scrubland. The ground is open moorland with little shelter from wind and weather, so visitors should dress appropriately for exposed conditions.

A carefully built stone well with original steps sits within the fort and supplied water to residents until the 1940s. Notably, this well maintained water even during extended dry periods, making it a crucial advantage for defenders of the site.

Location: Madron

Location: Morvah

Location: Sancreed

Location: St Just

Part of: Chun Downs prehistoric landscape complex, incorporating Chun Cromlech, Chun Castle, and barrow 200yds (180m) SW of Chun Farm

GPS coordinates: 50.14870,-5.63370

Latest update: December 8, 2025 21:02