Mên Scryfa, Ancient memorial stone in Madron, England.
Mên Scryfa is a tall granite stone standing on the moors of West Penwith with Latin inscriptions carved into its weathered surface. The stone rises from the landscape near other ancient sites and displays the skill of early medieval stonemasons who cut the letters deep into the rock.
The stone was carved between the 5th and 7th centuries and marked the territory of a local leader named Rialobranus in the post-Roman period. The monument reflects how people in Cornwall's moorlands asserted their power and ownership during this transitional time.
The stone carries a Latin inscription that shows how local culture shifted between Roman and Celtic influences during the early medieval period. Visitors can still read the words carved into it and see how people marked their identity and connection to the land.
The stone sits on open moorland and is easy to reach on foot, but sits in a remote area without shelter or facilities. Visitors should dress for wet weather and allow time to explore since several other archaeological sites are nearby to visit on the same walk.
In May 2023, the stone suffered fire damage that affected its historic inscriptions and prompted increased protection measures. This damage serves as a reminder to visitors of how fragile these ancient monuments are and the importance of respecting them.
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