Lanyon Quoit, Neolithic dolmen in Madron, England
Lanyon Quoit is a Neolithic dolmen made of granite in Madron, Cornwall, consisting of three upright pillars supporting a large flat stone slab. The entire structure sits at the northern end of a longer burial mound, with additional burial stones visible in the southern section.
The original structure collapsed during a severe storm in 1815 and was rebuilt in 1824 using only three pillars instead of the original four. This reconstruction has survived to the present day and shows how early 19th-century efforts sought to restore important ancient sites.
The name comes from Cornish words meaning stone, reflecting its identity as a monumental gathering place. Visitors can see how the massive capstone frames the surrounding landscape, making this a focal point for understanding ancient burial practices.
The site sits in open countryside and is easily accessible from various angles with clear views of the stones. Visit during months with good weather, as the ground can become muddy and winds are often strong in this exposed location.
Before the 1815 storm, the monument stood tall enough for a mounted rider to pass underneath its massive capstone. This remarkable height gives a sense of how imposing the original structure must have been before its collapse.
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