Tregonning Hill, Scientific and archaeological site in Cornwall, England.
Tregonning Hill is a hill rising to 192 meters in southwest Cornwall that spans across the parishes of Breage and Germoe. The site features granite outcrops and contains archaeological evidence of settlement dating from different periods.
Settlement on the hill dates back to the Iron Age, as shown by fortification remains that are still visible today. In the 1700s William Cookworthy discovered kaolin here, a material that transformed pottery and porcelain making across Britain.
The summit holds the remains of Castle Pencaire, an Iron Age fort that shows how people built defenses on this high ground long ago. Walking around these ancient structures gives a sense of the settlement patterns and strategies of the region.
Several walking trails lead to the hilltop from access points in both parishes and are open throughout the year. Wear sturdy shoes since the terrain can be steep and slippery, especially after wet weather.
The hill has links to St. Breaca, an Irish saint who established a settlement and religious buildings here in the 6th century. This early Christian connection shows how closely Ireland and Cornwall were tied together in that period.
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