Halangy Down, Isles of Scilly, United Kingdom

Halangy Down is a prehistoric settlement located on the island of St Mary's, in the Isles of Scilly. The ancient site covers the lower slope of Halangy Down hill, overlooking the coastal inlet between the island of St. Mary's and Tresco Island. On the site are the remains of an Iron Age village, two entrance graves, prehistoric field systems, standing stones, post-medieval breastworks, and a Victorian kelp pit.

Archaeological excavations have revealed that the first stone structures were built during the Iron Age (800 BC - 100 AD). Evidence shows that the buildings were continually altered and replaced over the 500 year period of occupation, from the later Iron Age to the Roman period of occupation in Britain (43 AD - 410 AD). The village was made up of a complex of attached stone houses. One house, a large multi-room residence with an interconnecting courtyard, had been built in the Romano-British period. The excavation findings included Iron Age, Romano-British and Anglo-Saxon pottery; flint and quartz tools; a slate spindle-whorl; several millstones; bronze brooches and iron slag.

Near Bant's Carn is a Bronze Age entrance grave located on a steep slope adjacent to Halangy Dwon. The tomb is one of the best examples of a Scillonian entrance grave.

References:

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Prehistoric and archaeological sites in United Kingdom

User Reviews

Jane Hopkinson (2 years ago)
Love the seal sanctuary. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable, and Ray and Diego live there - they are so worth the visit.

Ross Verdon (2 years ago)
So peaceful, such a great view, sat and ate my sandwich bought from a local deli. Flew in from Penzance airport for work. If this is work I want to work harder.

Louise Burrows (2 years ago)
A very evocative location to imagine the small settlement that existed here between the iron age and medieval times. A handful of information signs outline the number of dwellings and the scant information that archeological digs have unearthed. Above the remains of the huts lies the much older burial chamber. As you gaze at over the village at the coast and islands yonder it's not hard to let your imagination take you back to a previous age, making this an atmospheric site. The only distraction being the tall communications tower looming large if you look in the wrong direction. A pity it was not suitated a little further away. A reasonable level of fitness is needed to reach the site if walking from the quay at Hugh Town. We managed to walk to and fro, visit Juliet's Garden cafe for a drink and comsume some sandwiches in the four hour gap between arriving on St Mary's from the tripper boat and departing on the ferry, but we didn't have much time to spare (we don't have a very brisk walking pace).

Lionel Rishi (4 years ago)
A well preserved prehistoric village locate on the northeast corner of St. Mary's, easy to navigate and well maintained. If the weather's good, great spot for a spot of lunch or evening stroll to watch stunning sunsets over Tresco and Bryher

Paul Allen (7 years ago)
I have been visiting Bants Carn/Halangy Down since I first came to Scilly when I was 5 (almost 40 years ago!) We always visit when in Scilly, and taking a photo at the chamber entrance is a tradition...and one we are continuing with our daughters! The site is so well-looked after and well-preserved. The information board is really good, but discreet and doesn't detract from the site. The views are amazing on a clear day and the heather is beautiful in the summer. Yes..we love it here!

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