Pendeen Vau facts for kids
Pendeen Manor with the fogou in the background
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 Location in Southwest Cornwall
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| Location | Pendeen, Cornwall |
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| Coordinates | 50°09′43″N 5°39′53″W / 50.1620°N 5.6647°W |
| Type | Fogou |
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| Periods | Iron Age / Romano-British |
Pendeen Vau is an ancient underground passage, often called a "fogou," found on the coast of Cornwall, England. It's located near the village of Pendeen, right on the land of Pendeen Manor farm. This farm was once home to a famous historian named William Borlase. The fogou is about half a mile from Pendeen Lighthouse.
What is Pendeen Vau?
Pendeen Vau is a special kind of ancient structure. It is an underground tunnel or chamber built by people long ago. These structures are quite mysterious. We don't fully know why they were built.
What is a Fogou?
A fogou (pronounced foo-goo) is an underground stone-lined passage. You can find them mostly in Cornwall, England. The word "fogou" comes from the Cornish language. It means "cave."
- Fogous were built during the Iron Age. This was a time from about 800 BC to AD 100.
- Some fogous were also used during the Romano-British period. This was when the Romans were in Britain.
- Archaeologists are still studying fogous. They are trying to understand their purpose.
- Some ideas suggest they were for storing food. They might have been cool places for keeping things fresh.
- Other ideas say they were places of safety. Perhaps people hid there during attacks.
- They might also have been used for special ceremonies. These could have been religious or community events.
Where is Pendeen Vau Located?
Pendeen Vau is found in a beautiful coastal area of Cornwall. It is very close to the village of Pendeen. The fogou is part of Pendeen Manor farm. This farm has a long history.
- The famous historian William Borlase lived at Pendeen Manor. He was born in 1695.
- Borlase was very interested in Cornish history. He studied ancient sites like Pendeen Vau.
- The fogou is also near Pendeen Lighthouse. This lighthouse helps ships navigate the coast.
Visiting Pendeen Vau
Pendeen Vau is on private land. This means it's not a public park or museum. You cannot just walk in to see it.
- To visit the fogou, you need to ask permission.
- You should speak to the owners at Pendeen Manor farm.
- Always be respectful of private property.
- It's a unique chance to see a piece of ancient history.
