Boleigh Fogou facts for kids
![]() The Pipers standing stones near Boleigh Fogou
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Location | Cornwall |
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Coordinates | 50°04′17″N 5°34′58″W / 50.0715°N 5.5829°W |
Type | Fogou |
History | |
Periods | Iron Age / Romano-British |
The Boleigh Fogou is a mysterious underground passage located in Cornwall, England. It's found near the village of St. Buryan and close to some famous standing stones called The Pipers. This ancient site is special because it has more than one entrance, which is unusual for a fogou.
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What is a Fogou?
A fogou (pronounced "foo-goo") is an ancient underground structure. These mysterious tunnels were built a very long time ago. Most fogous are found in Cornwall, England. People aren't entirely sure what they were used for.
Possible Uses of Fogous
Historians and archaeologists have a few ideas about what fogous might have been for:
- Storage: They could have been used to store food or other important items. The cool, dark conditions would have been perfect.
- Shelter: They might have offered protection from bad weather or enemies.
- Rituals: Some believe they were used for special ceremonies or religious practices.
- Refuge: They could have been a safe place for people or animals.
Exploring Boleigh Fogou
The Boleigh Fogou is one of the best examples of these ancient structures. What makes it stand out is its unique design. Unlike many other fogous, it has multiple ways to get in and out. This design might suggest it had a different purpose.
Clues from the Past: What Was Found?
Archaeologists have explored the Boleigh Fogou carefully. They found pieces of Iron Age pottery inside. The Iron Age was a time when people started using iron tools. These pottery pieces tell us that people were using the fogou during that period. They also found some carvings. These carvings might have been brought to the fogou from another place.
Boleigh Fogou on TV!
The Boleigh Fogou is so interesting that it was featured on a popular TV show. In 1996, the archaeology show Time Team visited the site. The team tried to uncover more secrets about the fogou. Their work helped more people learn about this amazing ancient place.
Finding Boleigh Fogou
If you want to visit the Boleigh Fogou, it's located in a beautiful part of Cornwall. You can find it near the B3315 road. This road connects the towns of Penzance and Land's End. The fogou is also very close to the famous Pipers standing stones. These stones are another ancient landmark in the area.