Purification Pools at Saveok
Saveok Purification Pools:
Saveok Mill, Greenbottom, Cornwall, England
Located on the small local farm of Saveok Mill called “Saveok Water Archaeological Site”, resident Jacqui Wood discovered very curious archaeological features in her backyard when clearing the ground for a metal-work furnace on her land as one of her experimental archaeology projects. One of the phases of the site, was the uncovering of sacred stone-lined purification pools that had a plethera of ritual offerings within them such as cloth, heather branches, a cauldron, clothing, shoe parts, pins, finger clippings, and hair. This votive pool was found to have been filled in during the mid-18th century. The silt appears to have been imported into the site from elsewhere. This site phase appears to be a Neolithic ritual area was a series of Spring pools that may have been utilized as ‘purification pools’ or ’sacred wells/springs’ through the ages. This natural spring line were large rectangular pools stone-lined with white quartz cores. As of this writing, there are at least two such pools on the site. Patterns of the stone lining, pool contents, and the seasonal filling of the second pool appears to have religious or ritualistic usage. Both of these features are very unique in Cornish archaeology - the only other such find was under the Maeshowe monument in Orkney that had a similar stone lined drain. Since anti-witchcraft laws were in place since 1541, their participation in these activities would have definitely remained hidden, for at this time the King James version of the Bible at the time declared into law that “thou shalt not suffer a witch to live“. [Exodus 22:17] The stone-line spring may have been utilized as a ‘holy well’ by these residents as well as its prehistoric use as such. The spring was packed full of ‘offerings’ dating to at least the 17th century including 125 strips of cloth from dresses and clothing, as well as pins, remains of a cauldron, cherry stones, human hair, shoe parts, imported heather branches, and nail clippings - all very commonly used offerings to sacred springs and wells. Modern day applications of these elements can be found existing in sacred wells and springs throughout the Cornish landscape today. Pins and cloth are common offerings to wells. Heather branches are associated with luck. The scraps of clothing could potentially have been remnants of ‘clotiers’ that are found around most of the wells throughout the United Kingdom and Ireland perhaps from a tree that was alongside the spring or just offered into the pool directly. (see modern example in article on “St Madron’s Well” located 25 miles from this site) This Well and/or Spring had sometime after the time of Cromwell had been filled in and destroyed in order to hide the practices that were taking place on this site since at least Neolithic times. The death penalty for the practice of Witchcraft officially ended in 1735 and by that time, evidence of this ritual site was covered over, and later residents of the site would have not been aware of what lie beneath. Over 128 pieces of fabric, varying from different weaves, thickness, and color were found in the votive pool. There were over 48 leather shoe parts found in the votive pool from sandals to shoes. Shoe offerings are notably in history to be associated with female genitals and could have been deposited for fertility offerings. Heather branches found offered into the pool are potentially good luck offerings done by gypsies. Six delicate pins were also found in the votive pool.
The Ritual Offering Pits at Saveok
Offering Pits at Saveok Water Archaeology Site:
Saveok Mill, Greenbottom, Cornwall, England
Within the last 10 years, one of the world’s best archaeological examples of Ritual Witchcraft has been exposed in Cornwall, England. This site, Saveok Water Archaeology, has several site features suggesting ritual offerings, purification pools, and spellcraft dating as early as the mesolithic upwards to offering pits from the 1500’s to early 1900’s. Some of the practices on the site took place during conservative religious periods that outlawed the practice of Witchcraft, killing of swans, or Pagan faith and ritual. This didn’t seem to affect the religious patrons to this site as offerings and practice appears very abundant on these grounds. Prior to these finds, some of the only remains of witchcraft in England were witch bottles. Located on the small local farm of Saveok Mill called “Saveok Water Archaeological Site”, resident Jacqui Wood discovered very curious archaeological features in her backyard when clearing the ground for a metal-work furnace on her land as one of her experimental archaeology projects. One of the phases of the site, discovered in 2003, in areas EF and Area L appears to have had ritualistic use by means of offering pits (upward of 35) primarily swan-feather lined with imported pebbles or additional elements in them that date from the late 1500’s to the 1640’s onward. Use of such offering pits during a period of turmoil in England when Cromwellian Puritans destroyed much of pre-Christian Pagan England along the countryside would not only have been extremely dangerous to practice, but simply unheard of for the time period as the practice of witchcraft often led to a death sentence. These offering pits are believed to be evidence of Cornwall Witchcraft practice throughout the ages. While lineage or written evidence for the site is lacking, the remains are vast and tie into much of the lore, practices, and belief systems utilized by Paganism in the area - standing as the most common-sense theory at this point in the investigations. These practices may or may not have been done by the former 17th century residents who built the dwellings that currently exist on the site. But some of the offering pits were certainly dug during their occupation. Ethnographic discussions with locals suggests that some of the land’s residents, the Burnett’s, were reputedly witches. Since anti-witchcraft laws were in place since 1541, their participation in these activities would have definitely remained hidden, for at this time the King James version of the Bible at the time declared into law that “thou shalt not suffer a witch to live“. [Exodus 22:17] The death penalty for the practice of Witchcraft officially ended in 1735 and by that time, evidence of this ritual site was covered over, and later residents of the site would have not been aware of what lie beneath.
The presumed ritualistic “offering pits” are generally 40 cm sq. x 17 cm depth earthen dug pits that were primarily carefully lined with the intact pelts of a swan and other bird remains such as claws and beaks from different species. Some of the pits had other animal elements including pigs, dogs, and cats. One was lined with the skin of a black cat and contained 22 eggs - all with chicks close to hatching, as well as cat claws, teeth, and whiskers. Another had a dog skin, dog teeth, and a baked pig jaw. Another pit had a mysterious 7 inch iron disk with a swan skin on one side and animal fur on the other. Based on ritualistic comparisons from Celtic Paganism, Witchcraft, Santeria, and Voodoo - such offering pits are common practice for fertility spells, sacrifice, and magical intentions. The abundant use of swan feathers, suggest fertility in this case, and based on local folklore could have been offering pits to the Goddess Brigid (now the Catholic St. Brigid) as per interviews with local witches and folklorists determined due to Brigid’s association with swans and fertility magic. According to local folklore and beliefs - the swan feathers associated with fertility were possibly offered her to promote conception. If conception took place - then 9 months later the person would return to empty the pit. This is the current explanation for some of the empty pits that were found. Some of the pits also contained leaf parcels of imported stones that have been traced to Swanpool Beach which is approximately 15 miles away from the site - a area famous for its population of swans. Not only were these practices at this time dangerous because of Cromwell, but the act of killing a swan would have been risky throughout English history as swans belong directly to the Crown. In addition within these feather pits were found over 57 unhatched eggs ranging in size from bantams to ducks that were flanked by the bodies of two magpies. Magpies are birds very tied to Cornish folklore and also seen as taboo to be utilized in such a way. These organic remains had incredible preservation on this site due to the Spring’s water-logged ground and mineral content. Radiocarbon dates of some of the swan feather fits date to 1640. The cat pit dates to the 18th century and the dog pit dates to the 1950’s. The combination of the holy well/spring, remains of the cauldron, ritual offerings to the well, swan feather lined offering pits, and other ritualistic evidence strongly suggested that this site was a ritual place for Cornish Witches. If this is the case, then Saveok Mill serves as one of the world’s best examples of sites of this kind since much of Witchcraft practice through the ages prior existed only in witches bottles and remains found in Salem, Massachussetts in the New World. Much of this fabled history, ressurrected by modern day Witches or continued by family tradition witches in the local area, has been buried in secrecy and buried underneath intentional cloaks of mystery. Until the modern era of the practice, written records of this religious movement and/or practice was next to non-existent.
More Information:
Lithics at Saveok Water
Saveok Mill Lithics:
Saveok Water Archaeological Site, Greenbottom, Cornwall, England
During my June 2010 visit to Saveok Water Archaeological Site in Cornwall, England - I had the pleasure to peruse the lithic collection from the site. Excavation owner and director, Jacqui Wood has begun to do some intriguing investigations into the habitation patterns of this area of Cornwall. Many of the lithics have been found in Area: Oak where a shallow lake was believed to have let out. Several flint blades were located in this area. There have been over 29 worked pieces of flint found on the site as of this writing. Most of the blades are largely narrow and microlithic. Most of these are believed to date around the Late Mesolithic (8,000-3,500 BCE). Jacqui Wood’s Flint Analysis can be found here: http://www.archaeologyonline.org/Site%20-%20Report%20-%20Flint.html. Other debitage and larger stone tools also have been uncovered as pictured below. Check the Saveok Water Archaeology Site Website for details in the near future.
Saveok Water Animal Prints
Animal Tracks along the River @ Saveok Water Archaeological Site
Saveok Mill, Greenbottom, Truro, Cornwall, England
During my June 2010 visit to the Saveok Water Archaeological Site in the Area B3 were discovered very well-preserved (petrified?) hoof prints along where the river bank used to run on the site hundred to thousands of years ago. In this area were numerous types of animal prints superimposed on top of each other. Excavating in this area a peat deposit over a constant spring line that was never affected by the climate, presumably deposited clay over the tracks mixed with sand preserving the prints. The main hoof prints are believed to be bovine such as Auroch or primitive domestic cattle ranging around 17 cm in diameter. There is also presumed to be horse and deer prints as well in this collection. You can read more about this at the Saveok Archaeological Site.
Read the rest of this entry »
The Orkney Hood:
The Orkney Hood Reconstruction by Jacqui Wood:
During my visit to Saveok Mill, I was enlightened by one of Jacqui Wood’s Experimental Archaeology Projects … when she was commissioned to create a replica/reconstruction of Britain’s earliest textile clothing that was found - The Orkney Hood. You can read Jacqui’s write-up about her project here: http://www.archaeologyonline.org/Orkney%20Hood/Orkney%20Hood%20Main%20Page.htm.
The Archaeological Remains of one of Britain’s oldest textiles, named “The Orkney Hood”, after the parish in which it was found (St. Andrew’s Parish Orkney) in 1867 serves as an example of some of the best preservation of textile in existence. Found preserved in peat, was this unique garment with radiocarbon dates for the garment was approximately 1595 + B.P. i.e. AD c. 250-615. A very common garment for its time, The Orkney Hood was a fringed woolen cloak that had remained in the National Museum of Scotland for almost 83 years until it was examined by A. S. Henshall who suggested that it was a Iron Age or Viking hood based on the woven bands of fringe found on the garment. The preservation was unique and amazing. Henshall’s theory also lined up with the radiocarbon dates. He suggested Scandinavian origins. This find was contemporary with the Iron Age site of Minehowe. This particular garment piece was believed to have been constructed for a child.
After Jacqui Wood’s 2001 Experimental Archaeology lecture in Orkney, she was commissioned by the council to ‘reconstruct’ this garment so that they could present it in the museum and understand better what the garment looked like. Jacqui researched the design, the weave, the dyes, fibres, and construction. Utilizing her local Wool Marketing Board Wool Sheds, she examined a large range of colors from Shetland Fleeces, and then travelled to Ediburg to study the hood in detail. She returned to Cornwall to begin the commission. She created a simple warp weighted loom with which she would do the weaving. She created a 2/2 herringbone twill weave with the loom to replicate the original cloth construction utilizing Tablet Weaving. She based hers on the tableet excavated in Denmark (1888) that dated to 200 BCE. She constructed the narrow tablet woven band on the hood using 6 tablets at 2 cm width. For the Broad Band with Fringe she utilized 50 tablets to create a maximum 6 cm. width weave mixing light and dark brown to create the striped band pattern. She then began to Assemble the hood from the three woven parts. She Finished a beautiful reconstruction of this very old Orkney garment that now sits in the museum. The reconstruction took approximately 5 1/2 months to complete from start to finish (230 hours). (see: http://www.archaeologyonline.org/Orkney%20Hood/Pictures/The%20Hood.htm for photo of the reconstruction).
Read the rest of this entry »
Chron. of Sir Thomas Leaf: (TWPP): Day 10 - Excavations & Site Explorations, Truro, Cornish Countryside
[ Home ] [ Yesterday ] [ Tomorrow … ] [ The Chronicles of Sir Thomas Rymour Leaf ] [ Technogypsie.com ]
Morning window view
Arising early in the small village of Chacewater, I awoke in my private room at the King’s Head Tavern - peering out the window and seeing a beautiful clear day. Been very lucky with the good weather that I’ve had on this trip so far. Afterall, it is the Islands and its supposed to rain alot in these parts. Good night’s sleep was had. The shared bathroom in the hallway was empty so I was able to get a shower with no fuss. That’s always a nice start to the day. I stumbled down to the tavern, and the innskeeper was awaiting my arrival as she had a spread of food offerings for me … I ordered up the English Breakfast which at least in Cornwall consists of Eggs, bacon, sausage, mushroom, fried tomato, toast, and beans. In addition I had Orange Juice, Tea, yogurt, and cereal. What a hearty and heart-smashing breakfast. I took the 20 minute walk back to Saveok Mill to start the day excavating the site with Jacqui. It was Cathy’s final day for excavating so we finished up the units where the mill flough was located that Cathy had been working on. We uncovered alot of pottery shards - mainly porcelain and chunks of white quartzite stone. Cathy had to return to Canada today so the priority before a site tour was to finish up her excavating. After Cathy left, Jacqui showed me some of the artifacts collected on the site through the years, gave me a fantastic site tour, and showed me where the demonstration / reconstruction areas were for her experimental archaeology projects. I was so impressed with the site. It possessed amazing energy and you could feel the energies of the people that once lived here. Closing one’s eyes you could imagine what life was like here throughout the ages. You could tell it was a very holy and sacred place. Based on my archaeological interests, I was most impressed with the swan-feathered offering pits, the potential temple, the purification pools, and the ritual areas. I knew immediately that someday I would like to work here full time. After a good day of excavating, chatting, touring, and exploring the site - time spun by and it was already past our time. Jacqui guided me through the hole in the stone wall that was cut to the adjoining property where Vanda has her Bed and Breakfast - The Polgwedhen Farm. Nice short walk across the scenic Cornish countryside. The dynamics of land ownership, lords, tenancy, tithing, annual rents, and lifeways in these parts are more than fascinating. I settled into my very nice room and decided to head into Truro to search out an internet connection and food. Vanda gave me a lift to the bus stop - but silly me, I didn’t exactly note the driveway back to the B & B. While in Truro I found most pubs and restaurants stopped serving food by 5 pm. I was pretty shocked. I did find a Indian restaurant - and settled into a Lamb Masala dish. It was pretty delicious. Pitstopped into the Italian tapas bar where they had some free internet. The chap running the tapas was really nice. Had a couple of vodka n’ tonics while doing wifi. Missed the next to last bus back to Greenbottom, so took the later one - and sure enough - it was pitch black. Tromping down mile+ long driveways in the pitch black, thinking of Bodmin Beasts and mischievious Cornish Pixies and goblins crept into my mind’s eye. After trying several long driveways that didn’t lead back to the B&B, I stumbled at trying to call Vanda, with no luck, since I’m still a fool at dialing European numbers. Luckily Vanda was concerned with me not being able to find my way back and drove around looking for me. That was amazingly sweet. (Thank you!) I had tea with them to discuss the day’s activities as a nightcap and off to la-la land. Sweet dreams and amazing adventures ….
Cornish English Breakfast @ The Kingshead Tavern
06.13.10 - Chronicles: WPP: Day 9 - Cornwall Country - Taxicabs, Trains, and Iron Age Roundhouses …
[ Home ] [ Yesterday ] [ Tomorrow … ] [ The Chronicles of Sir Thomas Rymour Leaf ] [ Technogypsie.com ]
Iron Age Roundhouses at Saveok Mill
Early to rise with a train to catch at 8 am, I realized last night I would have a dilemma with getting to the Train Station in time because of the remote nature of Castle Horneck. The bus system on a Sunday in Penzance was not running as early as I needed, not to mention that the Castle was over a mile from the nearest bus stop and I was overburdened with a 17 kilo large frame backpack on my back with a 22 kilo napsack at my side. So I broke down on my ‘tight’ budget to arrange a cab for the morning. The cost wasn’t too bad and well worth every pound (GBP). As the cabbie dropped me off at the Penzance Rail Station, I oddly noticed that the station had yet to open. No stress though for within 5 minutes the gates to the tracks were opened by an agent. A pleasant rail ride to Truro viewing over the beautiful Cornish countryside. Once in Truro, I hopped bus 26 to backtrack through Three Milestone and on to Green Bottom. It was a good thing I had Google Earth’d the entire journey in case I had to walk from Truro and observed the photo shots along the route because the bus driver was unfamiliar with the stop I needed to get off on. I pointed it out to him and started to follow the route down the road, off a side track, through the bush, and across the tracks. Before crossing the tracks on foot there was a phone in which to call the conductor to make sure it was safe to cross. It was, but nonetheless, I hurried across the tracks. Following the overgrown path on up to the fieldhouse, I met one of the other crew members who guided me to Jacqui the Director of Saveok Mill Archaeological Site.
I came to discover this remarkable site as I had become intriqued by the article published by Archaeology Magazine on the Excavation of the Cornwall Witches. Since my Master’s Thesis and dissertation was on Modern Day Witchcraft, and I was very interested in the subject archaeologically, the opportunity to see actual Archaeological Evidence of Cornish Witchcraft was a very exciting thought. I made arrangements with Jacqui to come visit. I Originally intended on going in April, I wound up postponing and re-scheduling it for June as I was unsure what the funding situation would be with the archaeological lab I work for as we were threatened with layoff cutbacks. What I read about Jacqui was fascinating as well. I was very excited about this chance to meet her. Jacqui was an amazingly knowledgeable experimental archaeologist that radiated everything I read about her … It wouldn’t be hard to believe if she was currently the world’s foremost authority on Prehistoric Cooking, one of the lead’s for the world in Experimental Archaeology, and the creator of the first replica of the Orkney Hood in Britain and the Grass cloak for the Ice Man museum in Bolzano Italy. I was extremely excited for this opportunity to learn from her and see first hand her discoveries in her own backyard. Since my dissertion and thesis in graduate school was on modern day Witchcraft, I knew this site would give me some historical substance for my own independent research. Little did I know that I would also be learning how to make a Iron Age round house. Her local crew consisted of local students and Cornwall residents who were obviously very interested in her research and methodology. They all had great things to add and a pretty knowledgable assortment of folk. We spent the day building the round house by putting up the rafters and posts. In the afternoon we were disrupted by a bit of rain, the first I’ve seen of moisture in the skies since I arrived in England a few days ago. We moved our embracing discussions into the lab where we all got to know each other better. At the end of the field day, it was time to go check into my temporary lodging at the King’s Head Pub in Chacewater as the Bed and Breakfast I would be staying at for the rest of the week did not have a room ready for me until tomorrow eve. The walk wasn’t bad, within 20 minutes I was down in the neighboring village to Greenbottom called Chacewater. The room was nice and the staff friendly. The pub was filled with enthusiasts for the World Cup. Since watching sports on television absolutely bores me, as I’d be more entertained watching paint dry, I took a walk-about through the village in search of an ATM. Little did I know that my American VISA (debit) card did not have a ‘CHIP’ in it, so was completely useless at all other establishments I wandered into except for the pub where I was staying. There was also no business open with an ATM. So I couldn’t get any food from the grocery store. Breaking the budget once again, I retired to the Pub for a Shrimp dish and a vodka tonic to cut the edge. I retired pretty early to my room as there was no internet or wireless to be found in Chacewater that I could connect to. I had a feeling I would not have internet access during my field session here.
The railroad tracks
Greenbottom, Cornwall, England
Greenbottom
Chacewater / Truro, Cornwall, England
Greenbottom is a small residential area that is home to a lumber yard, nursery, a Caravan Park, and a B & B. It relies on Chacewater, Truro, and Threemilestone for services. It is more or less considered part of Chacewater and Truro.
The King’s Head (Chacewater, UK)
The Kings Head Hotel
* 0843-208-6749 * http://www.thekingshead-chacewater.co.uk * Chacewater, Truro, Cornwall, England, TR4 8PY *
Chacewater has only three pubs - and the King’s Head Pub and Motel is not only one of its most famous establishments, but one of its more popular lodging stays. It is a Traditional English Pub with accomodation upstairs. The King’s Head is located in the small village of Chacewater located outside of Truro, Cornwall, England. The pub has origins to the 17th century but stands strong with modern renovation and service. The pub consists of a modern yet traditional public house that was built originally in the 17th century and operating as a pub since 1826. Located 4 miles from Redruth and 6 miles from Truro. The bar serves traditional pub food including jacket potatoes, sandwiches, steaks, and fare. There are also vegetarian options. THe rooms are doubles that come with a TV, alarm clock, tea and coffee making facilities, iron and ironing board, and a choice of en-suite or shared facilities. Rooms range from £20-25 a person and comes with breakfast. My dining and lodging experience at the Kings’ Head was comfortable and pleasant. Rooms were clean, food was good, service was pleasant. I had the Prawn Cocktail and the Sunday Lunch which came with fresh succulent meats served with roast potatoes, Yorkshire pudding, a selection of seasonal vegetables and condiments. Rating: 3.75 stars out of 5 for the food, 4 stars out of 5 for the lodging.
Chacewater, Cornwall, England
Chacewater
www.chacewater.net * Cornwall, England *
Chacewater is a small village in Cornwall, England that is also a civil parish. It is located 3 miles east of Redruth. This small village sites within a valley between the hills that separate it from Threemilestone, Scorrier, and Saint Day. It only has three pubs and a club, “Twelveheads Press” (independent publishing company), a health center, two Nurseries, a primary school, a Literary Institute, a village hall, and a collection of shops. Once the home to a popular Railway, it was also home to the Chacewater Railway Station which is no longer. The town has an Anglican Church that is dedicated to St. Paul that was built in 1828. Chacewater was once a very popular settlement for mining. Chacewater is not far from Truro or Redruth.
