- Fogou
The word Fogou or Fougou as it can also be spelt, derives from 'fogo' which was the Cornish word for cave. A fogou (pronounced "foo-goo") is an underground structure which is found in many
Iron Age defended settlements throughout northern Europe includingCornwall and in northernScotland including theOrkney Islands .Construction
Fogous consist of a buried, corbelled stone wall, tapering at the top and capped by stone slabs. They were mainly constructed by excavating a sloping trench about 5 ft (1.5 m) wide and 6 ft (1.8 m) deep, lining it with drystone walling as stated, which was battered inwards and roofed with flat slabs; soil from excavation was heaped on top as at Pendeen Vau or incorporated in the rampart of the enclosure as at
Halliggye Fogou , Trelowarren.Fox, Aileen (1973). "South-West England 3500 BC - AD 600". Pub. David & Charles. ISBN 0-7153-6209-7. P. 178.]Function
The purpose of a fogou is no longer known, and there is little evidence to suggest what it might have been. It has been conjectured that they were used for religious purposes, as refuges, or for food storage. Many are orientated south-west-north-east, facing the prevailing wind.Fox, Aileen (1973). "South-West England 3500 BC - AD 600". Pub. David & Charles. ISBN 0-7153-6209-7. P. 178.] Their central location in settlements and the work which evidently went into constructing them is indicative of their importance to the community, which gives credence to a religious or ceremonial function.
The word derives from the Celtic *"ifócw", meaning a cave. Locals in Cornwall called them 'fuggy-holes.'Meyn Mamvro - "Ancient stones and sacred sites in Cornwall." ISSN 0966-5897. P. 20 - 21.] Being open at both ends a fogou could provide ideal conditions for food storage,especially the drying of meat. Ashpits found at Trewardreva and in the circular side-chamber at Carn Euny were probably for preserving gulls eggs, as was done on Saint Kilda. A layer of black greasy mould with charcoal, animals and bird bones at Treveneague is also very suggestive of food storage. A statement made by
Diodorus Siculus was that Iron Age people in Britain stored their grain in 'underground repositories', adding contemporary evidence to the speculation that they were mainly used for food storage.Fox, Aileen (1973). "South-West England 3500 BC - AD 600". Pub. David & Charles. ISBN 0-7153-6209-7. P. 178.]History & Archaeology
Tacitus describes theGermans hollowing out underground caves, covering them with manure and using them as storehouses and refuges from winter frosts. He also claimed that they hid in their boltholes to escape detection by raiders. Fogous may have had a similar function to the undergroundKivas of the Native Americans.Sharp, Mick (1997). "Holy Places of Celtic Britain." Pub. Blandford. ISBN 1-85079-315-8. P. 155.]Fogous are sometimes called 'earth houses' or
souterrain s. An example of an excavated Souterrain is the site at Rosal, strath Naver, Sutherland. In this example no finds were made inside the structure and the roof may have been only partially covered with stones, a timber roof being present on part of it. It was suggested that souterrains could have been used as byres or barns.Proceedings of theSociety of Antiquaries of Scotland ," 1967-68. Vol.100. Pps. 114-118] Fogous are often associated with dwellings such asIron Age villages.Petrosphere s or 'Stone Balls' have been found insouterrain s and, as possible symbols of power within prehistoric society, this discovery suggest a use other than basic storage of food and resources.Fougou Sites
Halliggye Fogou on the Trelowarren estate is generally accepted to be the largestCornovia, Ancient Sites of Cornwall and Scilly, Craig Wetherhill. Cornwall Books. ISBN 1-871060-31-1.] and best surviving fogou. It is recommended by the Reader's Digest guideThe most amazing places to visit in Britain. (2006). The Reader's Digest Association. ISBN 0-276-44176-1. P. 14.] . It is signed from the B3293 near Garras off the A3083. The site is open daily from April through to October. OSGB grid reference SW 17129,02395, Lat/Long 50.07162 N, 5.19749WOther unspoiled fogous survive at
Carn Euny Bord, Janet and Colin. (1973) "Mysterious Britain". Pub. Garnstone. ISBN 0-85511-1801. P. 105.] Belerion, Ancient Sites of Land's End. Craig Weatherhill. Alison Hodge ISBN 0-906720-01-X] ; Boleigh near Lamorna; Pendeen and at Trewardreva near Constantine which is known locallyHippisley Coxe, Antony D. (1973). "Haunted Britain." Pub. Hutchinson. ISBN 0-09-116540-7. P. 21.] as Pixie's Hall or Piskey Hall.Partially destroyed fogous exist at Chysauster which is in the care of English Heritage and which has been blocked up for safety; at Upper Boden near Manaccan and at Lower Boscaswell close to Pendeen.
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