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28/04/2021
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Notice ; Archaeologist Nick Hanks will hopefully dig here again later in the year. 

There is a new information board at the Melorn Village site to explain the discoveries so far. Many of the finds are also on display in the Centre.

Take a look at www.northcornwallheritage.co.uk for more information


A few years ago two quartz cobbles were exposed when repairs were being undertaken on the visitor path. Research then revealed a reference to Lady Dowager Falmouth having created a garden around the 6th century King Arthur’s Stone, next to the Camel River ‘ some years before the writer saw it’ ( 1754). In 2004 we started to look for clues. More and more cobbles were exposed and in 2005 a 2m circle was revealed in the centre of the cobbles. Within the circle a crescent of nine quartz cobbles complete the mosaic. This would have been visible from a terrace on the cliff above. Immediately behind this circle is a level area in the slight slope of the pavement. To one end of this is a small post hole, which when excavated revealed rusted nails. This suggests the location of a garden seat.
A number of fragments of 18th century bottle glass were found on the pavement surface. Most significantly in a large deposit at the southern end of the site, one had an embossed stamp saying ’N Barriball, White Hart, 1716’. (The N is reversed.). The finding of the bottle on the cobbled surface indicates that the garden may date from the earlier period of Charlotte Boscawen’s (only later Lady Dowager Falmouth) occupation of Worthyvale Manor (c.1700 – 1705 + 1734-1754).
A path lead from a ‘ folly’ on a low mound (a house now occupies the site), via winding paths, rock carved steps and the cliff terraces, one cobbled with quartz with a seat to the centre piece and the reason for the garden being here. In the deepest part of the garden lies (probably once stood) the Arthur Stone in a natural ‘grotto’ beside the River Camel. According to Dr. Tim Mowl, garden historian, the use of an Arthurian feature in this garden is very unusual as it is so early, most such features are in 19th century gardens. She died in 1754 and may not have completed her design. It was soon lost and forgotten.

We have only begun to scrape the surface ( literally) of our very own ‘Secret Garden’. We would love to share this exciting journey of discovery into the past with anyone interested in helping. There is so much to do and if you would like to have a go at digging, washing finds, earth moving etc, please join us and help us learn more about our Lady Falmouth and what inspired her to create a beautiful, romantic garden on the banks of the River Camel 300 years ago.

* Contact Joe on 01840 213947 for more details.

COME AND SEE THE GARDEN AT THE VERY BEGINNING OF ITS RESTORATION AFTER NEARLY 300 YEARS!!

The excavations are currently being carried out by North Cornwall Heritage with Dr Niall Finneran of Winchester University Niall.Finneran@winchester.ac.uk
www.northcornwallheritage.co.uk

We are open seven days a week from 10am – 5pm ( Easter to end of the October half term holiday).

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Visit the Vale of Avalon

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Archaeologists will be here next weekend - 23rd, 2 Archaeologists will be here next weekend - 23rd, 24th and 25th June! Come and see what they are investigating - maybe have a go!
We're open Wednesday - Sunday, 10-5. Remember dogs are welcome! We look forward to seeing you.
Thank you to all the lovely vistors who popped in Thank you to all the lovely vistors who popped in during April! We are now heading into summer so why not schedule a trip to The Vale of Avalon? We are open over this weekend including the May 1st Bank Holiday. Enjoy the improving weather.
You might remember this photograph from August las You might remember this photograph from August last year. We are pleased to say the documentary is now available on More 4! See https://www.channel4.com/.../jonathan.../on-demand/74411-004
Jonathan Ross' Myths and Legends - Episode 4
CHANNEL4.COM
Jonathan Ross' Myths and Legends - Episode 4
We are now closed for the winter! We would like to We are now closed for the winter!
We would like to thank all our visitors this year who have supported our small business.
We are excited to open up again next year for more exciting things to come to our grounds!🎉

#valeofavaloncornwall #slaughterbridge #cornwall #naturewalk #natureseekeers #cornwallattraction #thingstodoincornwall #daysoutcornwall #visitcornwall #walkingcornwall #walkcornwall #cornwalldayout #cornwalldogwalk #archeologylovers #cornwallhistory #kidsdayoutcornwall #thingstodocornwall #tintagelcornwall #kidscornwall #dogfriendlycornwal #closed #thankyou #thankyouforsupportingsmallbusiness
Not long until our Halloween trail comes to an end Not long until our Halloween trail comes to an end as we close for the winter.😭
Pop in and visit us over the weekend for a lovely nature walk (dogs are welcome)!🐶
Visit our Halloween trail with the kids, or just pop into our cafe for some lunch and a drink.
We'd love to see you before we close! 🎃🍰

#visitcornwall #valeofavaloncornwall #slaughterbridge #cornwall #archeology #cornwallarcheology #naturelovers #kingarthur #cornwallattraction #thingstodoincornwall #daysoutcornwall #visitcornwall #walkingcornwall #kidsdayoutcornwall #cornwalldayout #dogwalkcornwall #dogwalkingcornwall #dogwalk #cornwallcafe #cafeincornwall #tintagel #halftermcornwall #halloweencornwall
Don't forget to look high and low on our Halloween Don't forget to look high and low on our Halloween trail! 🎃
Spooks McSpook and the Mummy are lurking somewhere high above the trees!👻🌳
Will you spot all our Halloween sightings to win your goodie bag?

#valeofavaloncornwall #slaughterbridge #cornwall #naturewalk #naturelovers #natureseekeers #cornwallattraction #thingstodoincornwall #daysoutcornwall #visitcornwall #walkingcornwall #walkcornwall #cornwalldayout #cornwalldogwalk #kidsdayoutcornwall #thingstodocornwall #tintagelcornwall #kidscornwall #familydayoutcornwall #southwestattraction #cornwallattraction #halloweenevent #halloweeneventcornwall #halloween #halloweencornwall #halloween
🚨Reminder for all pass holders!🚨 You have un 🚨Reminder for all pass holders!🚨
You have until the 31st of October to use your pass.
If you would like to renew, you can do this when we reopen in Easter.
Thank you again for your support.

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Who's thinking about Christmas yet?🎄 We have a Who's thinking about Christmas yet?🎄
We have a lovely gift shop, full of a wide selection for all the family.

Take your pick, from silver/ pewter jewellery to books, hand puppets to stocking fillers. Items for little knights/ princesses, fairies, mermaids, dragons, nature, and unicorn lovers!🎁

We close for the winter on the 31st of October, so please visit our gift shop. Whilst browsing, enjoy a hot drink and homemade sweet treat.🍰☕️

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