Chynhalls Point | headland (geography), scheduled ancient monument

Comments

• 
  Teresa

  The coastal path to the south of Coverack follows the line of Chynalls Cliff, a rugged coastal slope with craggy outcrops that falls away to the rocky foreshore below. A cliff castle was sited on Chynalls Point at a place where the underlying serpentine rock, reinforced by a series of basalt dykes, forms a jutting rocky promontory. Chynalls cliff castle is formed by two earthen banks built across the neck of the promontory, with a ditch between. The inner rampart is stone revetted and the original entrance was probably at the centre where the footpath now runs. The site has never been excavated, but there are no obvious traces of any houses or other internal features. The castle probably was dated from the middle of the Iron Age (around 500 BC) and might have served a range of social, administrative or ceremonial functions They are constructed in exposed positions and are subject to the full force of gales which frequently lash the coast, and it seems likely that occupation was seasonal. They may have served as important trading centres which could be easily defended if the need arose. It is not unusual for the stone from disused structures to be taken for reuse in later mediæval and post-mediæval times, and at Chynalls stone from the ramparts has been used in the construction of the nearby cliff gardens. The strategic situation of the cliff castle is echoed in the construction of a pillbox on the north eastern flank of the promontory during World War II as part of the defences for Coverack harbour (although there are no remains of this visible today). Chynalls Point is accessed from the coastal path which can be joined at Coverack. However, it is also possible to walk along the coast from Kennack Sands. Extract from: Bird, E, 1998. The Coasts of Cornwall.

  18 years ago | reply | hide comment
• 
  Teresa

  This headland is now being managed and look after by National Trust. Yearly they bring ponies here to graze.

  14 years ago | reply | hide comment
• 
  Wah (guest)

  Beautiful part of Cornwall!

  11 years ago | reply | hide comment