Dons Meyn Goon Gompes
Emblance Downs Stone Circles are an important prehistoric site on Bodmin Moor, featuring two distinct stone circles. The western circle is better preserved, with six upright stones and at least one fallen, while the eastern circle is more difficult to see, with only two stumps and four fallen stones remaining. These circles, dating back to the Bronze Age, are thought to have been used for ceremonial purposes by early inhabitants, adding mystery to the landscape.
2500-1500 BC
The stone circles are likely to have been constructed during the Bronze Age, in a landscape already busy with megalithic structures.
1860s
The site is first recorded by Flinders Petrie in a similar condition to today and identified as an important piece of the archaeology of Bodmin Moor.
1957
Emblance Downs Stone Circles were listed as a Scheduled Monument in 1957, protecting the site for future generations to learn from and enjoy.
Emblance Downs Stone Circles, located on Bodmin Moor, date back to the Bronze Age, around 2500-1500 BC. The site consists of two distinct stone circles, likely used for ceremonial or ritual purposes by early communities. The circles are part of a rich prehistoric landscape, which includes nearby burial mounds and standing stones. Archaeological evidence suggests that the site played a significant role in the spiritual and social lives of the people who once inhabited this area. Today, it stands as a remarkable link to Cornwall’s ancient past.
Emblance Downs Stone Circles was part of Cornwall National Landscape’s A Monumental Improvement Project, which aimed to ensure that 40 scheduled monuments across Cornwall National Landscape were better protected, identified and enjoyed by a wider range of people. Between 2022 – 2025, the Project delivered conservation repairs, installed new heritage interpretation signage, ran a range of community volunteering events and developed new website resources. The Project was primarily funded thanks to The National Lottery Heritage Fund, with support from our other partners – Cornwall Council, Historic England, The National Trust, Cornwall Heritage Trust and Cornwall Archaeological Society.
Emblance Downs Stone Circles survive as two closely situated prehistoric monuments on Bodmin Moor. The circles are aligned broadly NW-SE and each measure approximately 23 metres in diameter. Stone Circles are found throughout Cornwall and usually dated to the Late Neolithic to Middle Bronze Age. They are thought to be ritual monuments, possibly related to celestial or social practises.
Historically, the site has been visited by antiquarians and archaeologists studying Cornish prehistory. Flinders Petrie’s early record in 1860 and John Barnatt’s detailed survey in 1980 helped establish the site’s significance within Cornwall’s prehistoric landscape. Unfortunately, the circles’ recent inclusion in the Heritage at Risk Register highlighted the urgent need for conservation repair work, which was undertaken by the Monumental Improvement project.
The 2023 conservation works not only stabilised the monument but also raised the profiled of the monument, helped safeguard its future and increased our understanding of its construction and use. Through the excavation and archaeological recording of the original stone sockets, the project has added to the archaeological record of Bodmin Moor, and contributed to broader interpretations of Bronze Age ceremonial landscapes and stone circles.
Today, Emblance Downs stands as evidence to Cornwall’s ancient past, offering visitors a tangible connection to the archaeology of Cornwall. Its preservation ensures that future generations can continue to explore and appreciate this impressive monument.
Cornwall is a region rich in folklore, and it’s likely the circles have inspired local imagination over the centuries. Similar stone circles across the British Isles are often linked to mysterious or supernatural stories, with some believed to be sites of ancient rituals or meeting places for druids.
One common theme in Cornish folklore is the idea that stone circles are people or creatures who were turned to stone. In some stories, these stones represent groups of dancers or giants who were petrified for disrespecting sacred rules or disturbing the peace. It is easy to imagine that the isolated, windswept landscape of Emblance Downs, with its ancient stones standing in silence, might have sparked such beliefs. The sheer age of the site adds to its mystical atmosphere.
Additionally, the position of the circles, with clear views of the surrounding moorland and distant hills, could have led people to believe that they held special significance for early inhabitants. With Cornwall’s deep ties to the supernatural, from piskies to giants, Emblance Downs would fit right into a landscape where the line between reality and myth has always been blurred. Whether ancient markers of celestial events or meeting places for ancient rites, these stone circles have a timeless, otherworldly quality that still fascinates visitors today.
Panoramas
Gallery
The Emblance Downs Stone Circles are a key feature of Bodmin Moor’s prehistoric landscape. These two distinct stone circles, dating back to the Bronze Age, are believed to have been used for ceremonial purposes. The site’s remote, open moorland setting adds to its sense of ancient mystery, with many of the original stones still visible. Though some stones have fallen over time, they remain partially buried in the turf, blending into the natural surroundings. The alignment of the circles and the panoramic views make the site an important link to the spiritual and cultural practices of prehistoric Cornwall.
The Emblance Downs Stone Circles are set within the rugged and windswept terrain of Bodmin Moor, an area rich in unique flora and fauna. Hardy plants such as gorse, heather and various grasses thrive in the nutrient-poor soils, creating a striking landscape of natural beauty. These plants provide shelter and food for a variety of wildlife, including birds like skylarks and meadow pipits, as well as small mammals and insects. Grazing animals, particularly ponies and sheep, are a common sight on the moor, contributing to its characteristic appearance and maintaining the open, untamed environment.
Visitors to Emblance Downs Stone Circles can help protect this ancient site by staying on designated paths to avoid damaging the fragile ground and stones. Please refrain from touching or climbing on the stones to prevent further wear and tear. Keeping dogs on leads helps prevent disturbances to local wildlife, while removing litter ensures the site remains clean and preserved. By respecting the landscape, visitors help maintain this important piece of Cornwall’s heritage for future generations.
Conserving the Emblance Downs Stone Circles presents both opportunities and challenges. One of the main threats to the site is natural erosion caused by the harsh moorland weather. Wind, rain and frost gradually wear away at the stones and the surrounding ground, leading to the stones becoming unstable over time. Additionally, livestock grazing on the moor, particularly ponies and sheep, can disturb the soil around the stones, exacerbating erosion.
Efforts to preserve the site include regular monitoring and maintenance, such as stabilising any stones at risk of toppling and addressing erosion damage. The remoteness of the location helps protect it from heavy visitor traffic, but it also makes conservation work more difficult to carry out. Ongoing conservation work ensures that this important prehistoric site is preserved for future generations to appreciate and study.
Check out the conservation efforts carried out by the Monumental Improvement team at Emblance Downs Stone Circles.
Emblance Downs Stone Circles becomes Dons Meyn Goon Gompes in Cornish.
It means dons meyn – stone circle, goon – downland & kompes – flat.
Plan your visit with essential details on transport and parking options, available facilities, route descriptions and accessibility information to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience at any of our historical monuments.
When enjoying the countryside, it’s important to follow the Countryside Code to protect nature and preserve its beauty for everyone. This includes simple, respectful actions like not littering, always take your rubbish home or dispose of it properly in bins. Stick to designated paths to avoid damaging crops or wildlife habitats, and keep gates and property as you find them, whether open or closed. Be mindful of livestock and wildlife by keeping dogs under control and not disturbing animals. By following these guidelines, you contribute to the protection of the environment and ensure that others can enjoy the countryside as well.
The site is on open moorland with no formal paths, so access may be uneven and muddy, especially after rain.
There are no facilities at the site. Be sure to bring everything you need and take all rubbish home.
There is limited roadside parking nearby. Please park considerately without blocking gates or access tracks.
You can play a part in preserving its beauty and history for future generations. Volunteering opportunities range from helping with conservation efforts to assisting with educational programmes and community events. Whether you have a passion for nature, history, or simply love the outdoors, there’s a way for you to contribute. Join us and make a difference while connecting with others who share your enthusiasm for Cornwall’s heritage.
Cornwall National Landscape is a non-profit organisation that conserves the unique landscapes, wildlife, and cultural heritage of Cornwall. Volunteering for the protected landscape provides a rewarding experience of giving back to the community and preserving the Cornwall's natural beauty.
Discover a wealth of knowledge in our Resources section, where you can download detailed research documents, reports, and source material compiled by our archaeology team to enhance your understanding of the site.
