 There were formerly 11 barrows on the slopes and summit of Chapel Carn Brea, which is often called "Britain's first and last hill." Today, only seven remain, although most are in ruins. One of two exceptions is Chapel Carn Brea Tomb, a late Neolithic/early Bronze Age entrance grave estimated to be from 2,500 B.C.
The first tomb was a Neolithic entrance grave 30 feet across and containing a nine foot long chamber with a tapered inner end and two capstones. The original Neolithic chambered tomb has been covered by the later, larger Bronze Age cairn, which accounts for most of the stonework still to be seen. The small intact chamber that can be seen is a secondary cist added when the Bronze Age mound was constructed.
The hill also saw a hermitage built later on the site. Little remains of this, although some drystone walling and parts of the capstone can be seen. The reason for the destruction of the tomb was first the hermitage, built in the 1400s and demolished in 1816, and then a World War II radar beacon built right on top of the grave.
About Chapel Carn Brea Tomb
Megalithic Portal: Chapel Carn Brea Tomb
Modern Antiquarian: Chapel Carn Brea
Wikipedia: Chapel Carn Brea Tomb
Journey to Chapel Carn Brea Tomb
Chapel Carn Brea Tomb is located in the West Penwith area of Cornwall and is found by taking the A30 towards Land's End and at the village of Crows-an-Wra taking a right hand turn that leads up to the hill and a parking area. From the parking area, there is a short 1/4 mile walk to the top of the hill and the tomb.
Ordnance Survey Map (SW4342335133)
Visitors Information
Visitors information for Chapel Carn Brea Tomb may be found at the Cornish Ancient Sites website. For general Cornwall tourist information, see the Visit Cornwall website.
Additional Photos of Chapel Carn Brea Tomb
Plaque Near Car Park for Chapel Carn Brea Tomb
Close-Up of Plaque for Chapel Carn Brea Tomb
Start of the Path to Chapel Carn Brea Tomb
The Path to Chapel Carn Brea Tomb
Chapel Carn Brea Tomb in the Distance
Approaching Chapel Carn Brea Tomb
Close-Up of Entrance toChapel Carn Brea Tomb
Close-Up of Entrance to Chapel Carn Brea Tomb
The Interior of Chapel Carn Brea Tomb
The Back Side of Chapel Carn Brea Tomb
Topograph and Distances from Chapel Carn Brea Hill
The View from "Britain's First and Last Hill," Chapel Carn Brea Tomb
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