Chûn Castle is a large Iron Age hillfort (ringfort) near Penzance in Cornwall. The fort was built about 2,500 years ago, and fell into disuse until the early centuries AD when it was possibly re-occupied to protect the nearby tin mines. It stands beside a prehistoric trackway that was formerly known as the Old St Ives Road and the Tinners’ Way.

The fort was excavated in 1895, 1925, 1927 and 1930. Much pottery was uncovered; the earliest was dated to the 4th century BC due to its similarity to known Breton pottery of that age. But the fort may have been built upon a much older structure. Chûn Quoit, around 800 feet to the west, is dated to around 2400 BC. It is believed that the fort fell into disuse around the first century AD but was reoccupied and modified several centuries later, until the 6th century. However, occupation may also date to the later Roman period.

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Founded: 500 BCE
Category: Prehistoric and archaeological sites in United Kingdom

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en.wikipedia.org

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User Reviews

Ewan Baxter (11 months ago)
Circular castle about 40 metres diameter, very easy to get to from the small carpark, take the track towards the Quoit. The walls have collapsed but it looks like all the stones are there if someone decided to rebuild it. Gateway to the entrance has one stone still standing and both entrance stones are standing upright.
Gyp Mckarthy (11 months ago)
Luv it here at Chun Castle and Quoit, very sacred and special place for sure☯️??
Phil Jeffery (14 months ago)
Only a short walk (about 30 mins) from where we were staying in Great Bosellow. Fantastic views in all directions including Mounts Bay, Geevor Tin Mine and three coasts.
Lynda Colley (2 years ago)
Amazing that so many of these ancient sites are surviving, the view from the walls of the castle are stunning...... part of the original wall is still in place and build and thickness are astounding. Easy walk with a not to difficult ascent, though the path is more of a single track that is rocky and rutted, so only suitable if you're able to walk. We parked in the layby along the Pendeen road and Trailfinder made it easy to find and follow the track.
Emlyn Jones (6 years ago)
Absolutely stunning example of Iron Age structure... Mind-blowing how much is still standing. It's somewhat frustrating that if this was Roman it would be a major attraction - this is a living example of a crucial period of our history. Well worth the climb to the top - it's not as bad as it looks and the views are incredible.
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