Halliggye Fogou, Iron Age underground passage in Trelowarren Estate, Cornwall, Great Britain
Halliggye Fogou is an Iron Age underground complex on the Trelowarren Estate that consists of a main passage running north and south with a curved tunnel branching off toward a small chamber. The entire system was carved into the bedrock and shows careful planning in how the passages connect.
The site was built around 500 BC and remained in use until the 2nd century AD, based on pottery evidence found within. This long period of occupation shows how the structure served the community across many generations.
The name comes from the Cornish word ogo, meaning cave, and reflects how Iron Age people built underground spaces into the hillside. This style of construction appears only in western Cornwall and shows resourcefulness in adapting to the local landscape.
Access is available from May through September, while winter closure protects the horseshoe bats that use the passages for hibernation. Plan your visit during the warmer months when the site remains open to visitors.
During World War II, the Manaccan Auxiliary Unit used this ancient site to store explosives and ammunition for military operations. The underground passages served as a hidden depot that connected the past to wartime needs.
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