Prideaux Castle: Difference between revisions
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{{Short description|Iron Age hillfort in Cornwall, England}} |
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{{about|the Iron Age hillfort|the Elizabethan stately home|Prideaux Place}} |
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{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2022}} |
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{{Coord|50.3689|N|4.7305|W|region:GB_type:landmark_source:dewiki|display=title}} |
{{Coord|50.3689|N|4.7305|W|region:GB_type:landmark_source:dewiki|display=title}} |
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'''Prideaux Castle''' {{IPAc-en|ˈ|p|r|ɪ|d|ᵻ|k|s}} is a multivallate [[Iron Age]] [[hillfort]] situated atop a 133 m (435 ft) high conical hill near the southern boundary of the parish of [[Luxulyan]], [[Cornwall]], England, [[United Kingdom]]. It is also sometimes referred to as ''Prideaux Warren'', ''Prideaux War-Ring'', or ''Prideaux Hillfort''. |
'''Prideaux Castle''' {{IPAc-en|ˈ|p|r|ɪ|d|ᵻ|k|s}} is a multivallate [[Iron Age]] [[hillfort]] situated atop a 133 m (435 ft) high conical hill near the southern boundary of the parish of [[Luxulyan]], [[Cornwall]], England, [[United Kingdom]]. It is also sometimes referred to as ''Prideaux Warren'', ''Prideaux War-Ring'', or ''Prideaux Hillfort''. The site is a [[scheduled monument]]<ref>{{NHLE|num=1006663|desc=Prideaux Castle|access-date=14 December 2018}}</ref> and so protected from unauthorised works by the [[Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979]]. |
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This site should not be confused with the historically linked, but quite distinct [[Elizabeth I|Elizabethan]] [[stately home]] called [[Prideaux Place]], in [[Padstow]], Cornwall.<ref name="CONFUSION">[http://freepages.family.rootsweb.com/~treevecwll/refs.htm Examples of confusion of "Prideaux Castle" and "Prideaux Place" in 1824 and 1831].</ref> |
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== Physical description == |
== Physical description == |
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[[File:Prideaux Castle Digital Terrain Model.jpg|thumb|3D view of the digital terrain model]] |
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The remains of the first and second [[circular rampart]]s are quite distinct, although overgrown with trees on the north and east sides. They appear to be constructed of earth and rubble. The third rampart is only fragmentarily represented, but easily traced, due to the vegetation. A fourth, outermost wall is discerned on aerial photographs,<ref name="AER">[http://www.multimap.com/map/photo.cgi?client=public&X=206000&Y=55750&gride=206000&gridn=55600&scale=5000&coordsys=gb&db=&lang=&mapsize=big Aerial Photo of Prideaux Castle] |
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</ref> or on the 1888 Ordnance Survey map.<ref name="OS1888">[http://www.old-maps.co.uk/oldmaps/index_external.jsp Grid Ref: 205948,55622].</ref> This outermost wall is in the form of an incomplete "D" shape, extending to the west and south on the downhill slope of the site. There are two entrances, typical of the small hillfort,<ref name="SMHF">[http://www.eng-h.gov.uk/mpp/mcd/smhf.htm Monuments Protection Programme: Small Multivallate Hill Forts]</ref> located on the eastern and northern side (i.e., opposite the fourth wall), where it is most wooded. There is no evidence of dressed stones. The [[palisade]] and any internal structures would have been of wooden construction and must have perished without trace. |
The remains of the first and second [[circular rampart]]s are quite distinct, although overgrown with trees on the north and east sides. They appear to be constructed of earth and rubble. The third rampart is only fragmentarily represented, but easily traced, due to the vegetation. A fourth, outermost wall is discerned on aerial photographs,<ref name="AER">[http://www.multimap.com/map/photo.cgi?client=public&X=206000&Y=55750&gride=206000&gridn=55600&scale=5000&coordsys=gb&db=&lang=&mapsize=big Aerial Photo of Prideaux Castle]</ref> or on the 1888 Ordnance Survey map.<ref name="OS1888">[http://www.old-maps.co.uk/oldmaps/index_external.jsp Grid Ref: 205948,55622] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060721200444/http://www.old-maps.co.uk/oldmaps/index_external.jsp |date=2006-07-21 }}.</ref> This outermost wall is in the form of an incomplete "D" shape, extending to the west and south on the downhill slope of the site. There are two entrances, typical of the small hillfort,<ref name="SMHF">[http://www.eng-h.gov.uk/mpp/mcd/smhf.htm Monuments Protection Programme: Small Multivallate Hill Forts] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060925020758/http://www.eng-h.gov.uk/mpp/mcd/smhf.htm |date=2006-09-25 }}</ref> located on the eastern and northern side (i.e., opposite the fourth wall), where it is most wooded. There is no evidence of dressed stones. The [[palisade]] and any internal structures would have been of wooden construction and must have perished without trace. |
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{{center|[[File:prideaux castle.jpg|thumb|650px|Prideaux Castle]]}} |
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The enclosed area is level and described from the ground as being somewhat elliptical, although from aerial photographs it appears nearly circular.<ref name="AER"/> Its diameter is about 100 |
The enclosed area is level and described from the ground as being somewhat elliptical, although from aerial photographs it appears nearly circular.<ref name="AER" /> Its diameter is about 100 m, with an area of about 0.8 [[Hectare|ha]]. Its present use is as a cattle pasture, with a frangible, pinkish stone (possibly [[Devonian]] [[sandstone]]) forming the substrate. Its condition is slowly deteriorating, with less structure now visible than was shown on the 1888 survey map.<ref name="OS1888" /> The northern and eastern ramparts are overgrown with trees, merging into forest. In the vicinity, there is much evidence of mining for [[Extraction of iron|iron]], [[tin]] and [[kaolinite]], with [[quarry|quarries]], [[Open-pit mining|pits]], [[Shaft mining|shafts]] and dumps in abundance. |
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The word [[castle]] has long been employed colloquially to designate [[prehistory|prehistoric]] remains of this general type throughout [[Great Britain]]. Prideaux Castle has also been known as Prideaux Warren. Adjacent to the fort are two extents of forest, one named "Prideaux Woods," the other "Warren Woods." Even after centuries of deforestation these join to another forest, "North Slope Woods," covering the south side of Luxulyan Valley. Some of this forestation has been backfilled during recent periods; other parts are known to be ancient. |
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== Prehistory == |
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<blockquote> |
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=== Bronze Age === |
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Prideaux Wood (SX0655) near St Blazey is the site of a disused quarry. Around a quarter of this woodland is of ancient origin; the remainder being coniferous and planted in the 1960s. The conifers are gradually being removed, with care being taken not to disturb the numerous greater horseshoe bat colonies which roost here.</blockquote><ref>[http://www.woodland-trust.org.uk/ancient-tree-forum/atfscapes/focus/cornwall.htm Prideaux Wood at The Ancient Tree Forum (ATF) and the Woodland Trust] ''Ancient Tree Forum'' {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060925092927/http://www.woodland-trust.org.uk/ancient-tree-forum/atfscapes/focus/cornwall.htm |date=2006-09-25 }}</ref> |
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The earliest occupation in the vicinity of the site dates from the [[Bronze Age]]. Cornwall has functioned continuously since high antiquity as a centre of [[tin]] mining and trade, tin being an essential ingredient of [[bronze]]. The fort is situated not far from the ancient trade route which later became known as the [[Saints' Way]]; from here tin was traded as far as the [[Levant]]. |
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== Etymology == |
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The central role of tin mining in the local economy seem to have a continuity leading up to the stannary "Pridias",<ref>The original [[Cornish language]] form of "Prideaux"</ref> which in later times was one of the "[[Tithing (country subdivision)|tithings]]" (administrative districts) of the Blackmoor Stannary, centered at nearby [[Hensbarrow Beacon]], with its records stored at the church in [[Luxulyan]]. |
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=== Cornish etymology === |
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*See also [[Mining in Cornwall and Devon]] |
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Most of the authorities<ref name="Westcountry">R. M. Prideaux, "Prideaux: A Westcountry Clan".</ref> agree that the earliest form of the name was something like {{IPA|kw|prɪdjas|}}, and that the name is of [[Cornish language|Cornish]] origin. The first documented appearance of the [[French language|French]] spelling Prideaux did not appear until [[Plantagenet]] times. For at least the past several centuries the name has been {{IPAc-en|ˈ|p|r|ɪ|d|ᵻ|k|s}} in Cornwall and [[Devon]]. The final {{IPA|/ks/}} is a [[spelling pronunciation]] of the ''x'' in the French orthography. |
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A derivation from Cornish ''bre'' "hill" + Cornish ''dinas'' "castle; fort" → *''bredinas'' may be suggested. A development from this otherwise plausible form would have to account for the initial devoicing, as well as the loss of the nasal.{{citation needed|date=December 2018}} |
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=== Iron Age === |
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Without dateable artifacts, the hillfort is nonetheless assigned to the [[Iron Age]] of pre-[[Roman Britain]] on the basis of its general form. Because the enclosed area is less than 1 [[hectare|ha]], it would be classified as a "small [[Hill fort#Types of hill fort|multivallate]] hillfort", resembling most others of that type.<ref name="SMHF"/> |
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<blockquote>Small multivallate hillforts are usually regarded as settlements of high status, occupied on a permanent basis during the Iron Age. Recent interpretations stress that the construction of multiple earthworks may have as much to do with ostentation and display, as with defence.</blockquote> |
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==== "Near the waters" ==== |
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Several fanciful etymologies have been proposed, based on the assumption of French origin. For example, the 18th century Cornish historian [[Thomas Tonkin]] derived it from the French phrase ''près d'eaux'' "near [the] waters": |
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There is currently no physical evidence that any structure was ever built upon the site subsequent to the Iron Age. It may have been used as a temporary camp by the Romans or even by [[English Civil War]] forces, as for example, [[Castle Dore]]. However, archaeological evidence from any later period is also absent.<ref>[http://www.eng-h.gov.uk/mpp/mcd/sub/smhf2.htm Date]</ref> |
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{{cquote|...for the sea formerly flowed up as high as this place, till the (tin) stream works choked up its entrance, any one that views the high cliffs under this place, and those on the opposite side of the valley in Tywardreath, must needs be convinced of....}} |
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<blockquote>Most small multivallate hillforts seem to have been constructed between the 4th and 2nd centuries BC. A few examples, such as The Caburn, were built somewhat later, during the 1st century BC. On many sites abandonment seems to have occurred during the 1st century BC, while on others occupation persisted until the mid-first century AD.</blockquote> |
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This etymology is somewhat implausible for a hilly location at an elevation of some 135 metres located several kilometres from the sea.{{citation needed|date=December 2018}} |
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The western branch of the [[Bronze Age]] trade route later known as [[Saint's Way]] passes the foot of the hill on which the fort is situated, less than 100 m away on the southwest slope. Local legend would have it that the [[tin]] [[merchant]] [[Joseph of Arimathea]] passed this way with the boy [[Jesus]] on his [[pilgrimage]] to [[Glastonbury]]. A cross in nearby [[Fowey]] memorializes this legend. |
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== Prehistory == |
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On a clear day looking in an east-southeasterly direction from the fort, it might be possible to see [[Castle Dore]], a somewhat more well-known hillfort situated at a distance of approximately 5 km (3 mi), as the crow flies, mentioned below. Castle Dore has been traditionally assigned to [[Mark of Cornwall]], husband of [[Iseult]], in the [[Arthurian cycle]]. There is a monument believed by some to refer to [[Tristan]] ("Drustanus") in nearby [[Fowey]] at {{gbmapping|SX112521}}. |
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=== Bronze Age === |
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The earliest occupation in the vicinity of the site dates from the [[Bronze Age]]. Cornwall has functioned continuously since high antiquity as a centre of [[tin]] mining and trade, tin being an essential ingredient of [[bronze]]. The fort is situated not far from the ancient trade route which later became known as the [[Saints' Way]]; from here tin was traded as far as the [[Levant]]. |
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The word [[castle]] has long been employed colloquially to designate [[prehistory|prehistoric]] remains of this general type throughout [[Great Britain]]. As examples of other hillforts called "castle" in the same vicinity, one may note [[Castle Dore]] at {{gbmapping|SX103548}} or [[Castle an Dinas, St. Columb Major|Castle an Dinas]] at {{gbmapping|SW9455062450}}, both within a few kilometres of Prideaux Castle. |
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The central role of [[tin mining]] in the local economy seem to have a continuity leading up to the stannary "Pridias",<ref>The original [[Cornish language]] form of "Prideaux"</ref> which in later times was one of the "[[Tithing (country subdivision)|tithings]]" (administrative districts) of the Blackmoor Stannary, centered at nearby [[Hensbarrow Beacon]], with its records stored at the church in [[Luxulyan]]. |
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It could also be observed that the word "castle" comes from the [[Latin]] word ''castella'' "little camp", from [[castrum]] "camp". ''Castella'' could also refer to a fortified village, although Prideaux is rather too small for this characterisation. |
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=== Iron Age === |
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On the 1888 survey map<ref name="OS1888"/> the Prideaux site is designated as "Camp". Nearby [[Castle Dore]] to the east and [[Castilly Henge]] to the west were both reoccupied and used as military encampments during the [[English Civil War]] in 1664. |
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Without datable artifacts, the hillfort is nonetheless assigned to the [[Iron Age]] of pre-[[Roman Britain]] on the basis of its general form. Because the enclosed area is less than 1 [[hectare|ha]], it would be classified as a "small [[Hill fort#Types|multivallate]] hillfort", resembling most others of that type.<ref name="SMHF" /> There is no physical evidence that any structure was ever built upon the site subsequent to the Iron Age. |
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At least one prehistoric British hillfort was rebuilt in later times with a Norman [[Motte-and-bailey]] style wooden castle, for example, ''[[Castle Neroche]]''.<ref>[http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/server/show/conWebDoc.4012 Castle Neroche]</ref> |
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<blockquote>It has long been recognised that the motte and bailey, like quite a few others around the country, was deliberately sited so as to make the best use of earthworks surviving from an earlier period. But the nature, size and date of the earlier earthworks was not known. Our analysis of the surface remains strongly suggests that much of the defensive circuit originally belonged to a 'hillfort', built in the Iron Age, probably some time between 500 BC and 50 BC.</blockquote> |
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However, it must be stressed that there is currently ''no'' physical evidence that Prideaux Castle was ever rebuilt after its abandonment at the end of the [[Iron Age]]. |
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== History == |
== History == |
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=== Domesday === |
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Unlike many other hillforts, Prideaux Castle has a certain amount of written history associated with it, in this case extending back to the [[Norman Conquest]]. |
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There are at the present time three inhabited places arranged in an arc or line a few hundred metres to the north of the Castle. On the 1888 map<ref name="OS1888" /> they are called "Prideaux," "Little Prideaux," and "Great Prideaux." The [[Domesday Book]] of 1086 mentions nothing that could be identified by name with either Luxulyan or Prideaux (Pridias). The nearest manor to Prideaux Castle listed is [[Tywardreath]] (Tiwardrai), about 1.5 km to the southeast. Next nearest would have been [[Bodiggo]] (Bodenwitghi) at about 2.5 km. Both of these manors are recorded as held by [[Richard Fitz Thorold]] from [[Robert, Count of Mortain]], [[William the Conqueror]]'s half brother. |
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=== Paganus Prideaux === |
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[[File:PrideauxArms2.PNG|thumb|200px|Arms of Prideaux: ''Argent, a chevron sable in chief a label of three points gules'']] |
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The Prideaux family was well-established as a [[gentry]] family in Devon and Cornwall in the [[Middle Ages]] onwards, seated in various branches in Devon<ref>[[John Lambrick Vivian|Vivian, Lt.Col. J.L.]], (Ed.) The Visitations of the County of Devon: Comprising the Heralds' Visitations of 1531, 1564 & 1620, Exeter, 1895, pp.616-25, pedigree of Prideaux</ref> at Adeston, [[Holbeton]]; Thuborough, [[Sutcombe]]; Solden, [[Holsworthy, Devon|Holsworthy]]; [[Netherton, Farway]]; [[Ashburton, Devon|Ashburton]]; [[Nutwell]], [[Woodbury, Devon|Woodbury]] and from the 16th century at [[Prideaux Place]] in the parish of [[Padstow]] in Cornwall. The arms of these families were: ''Argent, a chevron sable in chief a label of three points gules'', as is well-recorded on ancient monuments in several parish churches and elsewhere. The supposed 11th century origins of the family at Prideaux Castle in Cornwall are however less well documented. |
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On 9 March 1874 the [[College of Arms]] granted a further [[coat of arms]] to Prideaux: ''Party per pale argent and gules, three castles counterchanged'', which are now quartered by the Prideaux-Brune family of [[Prideaux Place]], the accompanying [[Pedigree chart|pedigree]] being certified by Stephen Isaacson Tucker, [[Rouge Croix Pursuivant]] (a junior [[officer of arms]]) of the College. This genealogy was later published in [[John Lambrick Vivian|Vivian's]] Visitations of Cornwall.<ref name="VISIT">[http://www.uk-genealogy.org.uk/england/Cornwall/visitations/p610.html The ''Visitations of the County of Cornwall'', p. 610. Online site visited 2006-07-19]</ref> |
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According to this Prideaux pedigree,<ref name=" VISIT "/> "''Paganus Prideaux'' was [[Lord of the manor|lord]] of Prideaux in the [[William the Conqueror|Conqueror's]] time". ''Paganus'' is the [[List of Latinized names|Latinized]] form of the common first-name "Payne". There are no specific dates recorded for the lifetime of Paganus, but a death date is given for his son: |
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:''Richardus Prideaux dominus de Prideaux obiit 1122 temp(ore) H. 1''. ("Richard Prideaux lord of Prideaux died 1122 in the time of [[Henry I of England|Henry I]]). |
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The grant of the College of Arms has the effect of making the status of Paganus Prideaux to be "official," since the College is an agency of the UK government. However, in the absence of corroboration from 11th century records, documents and charters, which have not survived, it might be justifiable to regard Paganus as being ''semi-legendary''. |
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It has sometimes been claimed that Paganus Prideaux was a "[[Companions of William the Conqueror|Companion of the Conqueror]]," based on College of Heralds certification.{{Citation needed|date=June 2010}} However, there is no mention of any similar name in the [[Battle Abbey Roll]] (highly dubious source though that may be), nor in any other known record from the period. |
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Sir John Maclean in his "Skeleton Pedigree of Prideaux" (basing himself on the work of [[Richard Polwhele]],<ref>[[Richard Polwhele]], Bibliography</ref> as well as on the Visitations),<ref name="VISIT"/><ref>See Bibliography</ref> elaborates on the origin of Paganus, describing him as: |
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:''Paganus de Prideaux vel'' (i.e. "or") ''Pridias, [[Lord of the manor|lord]] of Prideaux in Luxulion near Fowey co. Cornwall, before the Conquest, living at Prideaux Castle'' |
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This is however an anachronism, since neither Luxulion (Luxulyan) nor Fowey can be shown to have existed as manors or settlements in the 11th century. Note, however, the use of the [[Cornish language|Cornish]] form of the name "Pridias." Reference to these place names does imply that Polwhele is not confusing "Prideaux Castle", Fowey, with "Prideaux Place", Padstow.<ref name="CONFUSION"/> No mention of a manor named ''Prideaux'' in 11th century Normandy, from which the family might be assumed to have originated, has been made by these sources. |
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=== Domesday manors === |
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There are at the present time three inhabited places arranged in an arc or line a few hundred metres to the north of the Castle. On the 1888 map<ref name="OS1888"/> they are called "Prideaux," "Little Prideaux," and "Great Prideaux." |
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At Prideaux {{gbmapping|SX059560}} is now located a [[bed and breakfast]] in a house which is advertised thus:<ref>[http://www.eden-project.co.uk/places-to-stay.htm#old-manor Eden Project Accommodation<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> |
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<blockquote>The Old Manor originates from the 9th century, when the land was granted to Pagan de Prideaux by William the Conqueror, and when the Manor was built around a central quadrangle. </blockquote> |
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On what basis this claim is made is unclear. The touchstone of antiquity of English (or Cornish) estates is the [[Domesday Book]] of 1086 (11th century) as it frequently mentions both current state of affairs and that under Edward the Confessor. The manor nearest to Prideaux Castle is [[Tywardreath]] (Tiwardrai) manor, at {{gbmapping|SX086544}}, about 1.5 km to the southeast. Next nearest would have been [[Bodiggo]] (Bodenwitghi) at {{gbmapping| SX045585 }} at about 2.5 km. Domesday mentions nothing that could be identified by name with either Luxulyan or Prideaux (Pridias). |
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Both of these manors were held by [[Richard Fitz Thorold]] from [[Robert, Count of Mortain]], [[William the Conqueror]]'s half brother. If Paganus existed, and he was "lord of Prideaux," he would apparently have been a vassal of Richard. It is unclear whether the manor named ''Prideaux'' (from its form apparently a Norman-French word) was in fact an Anglo-Saxon place name, perhaps ''Pridias'', existing before the Norman Conquest, and was granted to Paganus who thenceforth took the surname ''de Prideaux'' from it, as was usually the case, or whether Paganus was lord of a manor in Normandy called Prideaux, which name he then gave also to his new English landholding, a more unusual scenario. |
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=== Pridis (Prideaux) stannary tithing === |
=== Pridis (Prideaux) stannary tithing === |
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The economy of Prideaux may have been based in part on the [[stannary]]. Britain, specifically [[Cornwall]] was famous for [[tin]], a key ingredient of [[bronze]] and thus an important trade item during the [[Bronze Age]]. |
The economy of Prideaux may have been based in part on the [[stannary]]. Britain, specifically [[Cornwall]] was famous for [[tin]], a key ingredient of [[bronze]] and thus an important trade item during the [[Bronze Age]]. |
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In 1201 [[King John of England]] chartered four [[stannary|stannaries]] in Cornwall: Foweymoor (Bodmin Moor), Blackmoor ([[Hensbarrow]] downs near Saint Austell), Tywarnhaile (Truro to Saint Agnes) and Penwith-with-Kerrier. Blackmoor was the oldest [[stannary]], with eight subdivisions called [[Tithing (country subdivision)|tithings]]. |
In 1201 [[King John of England]] chartered four [[stannary|stannaries]] in Cornwall: Foweymoor (Bodmin Moor), Blackmoor ([[Hensbarrow]] downs near Saint Austell), Tywarnhaile (Truro to Saint Agnes) and Penwith-with-Kerrier. Blackmoor was the oldest [[stannary]], with eight subdivisions called [[Tithing (country subdivision)|tithings]]. |
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''Pridis'' (which is near the [[Cornish language|Cornish]] original of ''Prideaux'') is listed as one of the eight tithings of the Blackmoor stannary. |
''Pridis'' (which is near the [[Cornish language|Cornish]] original of ''Prideaux'') is listed as one of the eight tithings of the Blackmoor stannary. |
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== See also == |
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{{Portal|Cornwall}} |
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Prideaux Castle has also been known as Prideaux Warren. In the popular imagination, this has found two explanations. |
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=== War ring === |
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[[Rebracketing|Metanalysis]] or, [[folk etymology]], of the name "Prideaux Warren" has yielded "Prideaux War-Ring", based on the apparently defensive purpose of the concentric ramparts, which were undoubtedly surmounted by a palisade during the fort's heyday. There is no ordinary precedent for the usage "war ring." |
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=== The question of rabbits === |
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[http://www.megalithic.co.uk/article.php?sid=4657 Coney's Castle hillfort] in [[Dorset]] {{gbmapping|SY372975}} could hardly be more unequivocal about its identity as a rabbitry. However, the identification is likely somewhat fanciful or whimsical. [[Pilsdon Pen]], a large hillfort contains the remains of what is described as a (typical) rectilinear mediaeval [[domestic warren]]. |
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Because of the French spelling of the name "Prideaux," the presumed connection with the Conqueror, and because [[cuniculture]] is believed to be a Norman innovation into Britain, "Prideaux Warren" has been often been associated with the [[domestic warren]]. There is no evidence, however, of any of the typical structures associated with this type of animal husbandry. |
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This use has not been proven; but the topology of the general area suggests that what may have been involved was in fact the '''[[free warren]] of Prideaux''' (below). |
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=== Prideaux Warren === |
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Adjacent to the fort are two extents of forest, one named "Prideaux Woods," the other "Warren Woods." Even after centuries of deforestation these join to another forest, "North Slope Woods," covering the south side of Luxulyan Valley. |
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The maps and satellite views show a crescent of woods surrounding the fort on the north, east, and south. Some of this forestation has been backfilled during recent periods; other parts are known to be ancient. |
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<blockquote> |
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Prideaux Wood (SX0655) near St Blazey is the site of a disused quarry. Around a quarter of this woodland is of ancient origin; the remainder being coniferous and planted in the 1960s. The conifers are gradually being removed, with care being taken not to disturb the numerous greater horseshoe bat colonies which roost here.</blockquote> |
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<ref>[http://www.woodland-trust.org.uk/ancient-tree-forum/atfscapes/focus/cornwall.htm Prideaux Wood at The Ancient Tree Forum (ATF) and the Woodland Trust ]</ref> |
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At the time of the semi-legendary Paganus, which would have coincided with the heyday of Norman [[afforestation]], the fort would have been centered on a wooded area of perhaps six square kilometers. This would enough area to support the beasts of a [[free warren]], or even those of a [[chase (land)|chase]]. |
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Nearby hillfort [[Castle Dore]] has been dated to the 3rd or 2nd century BC, and was likely abandoned during the Roman occupation, only to be reoccupied as a '''hunting lodge''' in the pre-Saxon period. |
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The remains of a large (27 m by 12 m) wooden structure were found during the excavation at this fort. They are interpreted as having been a hunting lodge. If Prideaux was a [[free warren]], a lodge would also have been useful. However, no remains are in evidence. |
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"Paganus, Lord of Prideaux" would then be understood as referring to the franchisee, or an officer, of "Prideaux (Free) Warren." |
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== The name "Prideaux" == |
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=== Cornish etymology=== |
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Most of the authorities<ref name="Westcountry">R. M. Prideaux, "Prideaux: A Westcountry Clan".</ref> agree that the earliest form of the name was something like {{IPA-kw|prɪdjas|}}, and that the name is of [[Cornish language|Cornish]] origin. |
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==== Spelling and pronunciation ==== |
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The sons and grandsons of the semi-legendary "Paganus Prideaux" (or "Pagan Pridias") chose spellings like <Pridias>, <Pridyias>, <Pridyas>. (As many as 40 variant spellings have been recorded.) The first documented appearance of the [[French language|French]] spelling <Prideaux> did not appear until [[Plantagenet]] times, apparently for political advantage. (See e.g. [[Richard, 1st Earl of Cornwall|Richard Plantagenet, Earl of Cornwall]].) For at least the past several centuries the name has been {{IPAc-en|ˈ|p|r|ɪ|d|ᵻ|k|s}} in Cornwall and [[Devon]]. The final {{IPA|/ks/}} is a [[spelling pronunciation]] of the ''x'' in the French orthography <Prideaux>. |
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==== "Hill fort" ==== |
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A derivation from Cornish ''bre'' "hill" + Cornish ''dinas'' "castle; fort" → *''bredinas'' may be suggested. A development from this otherwise plausible form would have to account for the initial devoicing, as well as the loss of the nasal. |
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=== The "French connection" === |
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The name ''Prideaux'' is well known, there having been numerous notables of this name. By its orthography, it is usually assumed to be of French origin, and is thus more often than not {{IPAc-en|p|r|iː|ˈ|d|oʊ}}. Since the Visitations assign it to one ''Paganus Prideaux'', "...who lived in the time of the [[William the Conqueror|Conqueror]]", it is easy to leap to the conclusion that the name is of [[Norman French]] origin. |
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==== "Near the waters" ==== |
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Several fanciful etymologies have been proposed, based on the assumption of French origin. For example, the 18th century Cornish historian [[Thomas Tonkin]] derived it from the French phrase ''près d'eaux'' "near [the] waters": |
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{{cquote|...for the sea formerly flowed up as high as this place, till the (tin) stream works choked up its entrance, any one that views the high cliffs under this place, and those on the opposite side of the valley in Tywardreath, must needs be convinced of....}} |
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This etymology is somewhat implausible for a hilly location at an elevation of some 135 meters located several kilometers from the sea. It is, however, the case that on a clear day one can see the sea, valuable for preparing for the attack of pirates. However, the nearest inlet of the sea (at [[Pontsmill]], one or two kilometers distant) became silted up by as much as several meters of detritus from the mining operations. |
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{{cquote|At Pontsmill, holes have been discovered in the rocks, recently covered with sand, &c., to which boats were moored, and boats of a large size regularly plied to St. Blazey bridge, within the period above stated.}} |
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==== "Pray to God" ==== |
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Another fanciful etymology associates the name with the French ''prie Dieu'' ("pray God"), meaning "prayer bench." |
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=== Other etymologies === |
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Finally, several other attempts to find a French origin for the name are found [http://freepages.family.rootsweb.com/~treevecwll/prideaux.htm here] (Link accessed 2006-07-22). |
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==See also== |
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*[[List of hill forts in England]] |
*[[List of hill forts in England]] |
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*[[List of hill forts in Scotland]] |
*[[List of hill forts in Scotland]] |
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*[[List of hill forts in Wales]] |
*[[List of hill forts in Wales]] |
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*[[Cornish Bronze Age]] |
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*[[Mining in Cornwall and Devon]] |
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== References == |
== References == |
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{{Reflist}} |
{{Reflist}} |
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==Bibliography== |
== Bibliography == |
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*Bartlett, J. 1856. "The History of St Blazey: a lecture". [http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~kayhin/hist.html Online; accessed 2006-06-30.] |
*Bartlett, J. 1856. "The History of St Blazey: a lecture". [http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~kayhin/hist.html Online; accessed 2006-06-30.] |
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*Maclean, Sir John. 1873. ''The Parochial and Family History of the Deanery of [[Triggshire|Trigg Minor]] in the County of Cornwall.'' Liddell & Son |
*[[John MacLean (historian)|Maclean, Sir John]]. 1873. ''The Parochial and Family History of the Deanery of [[Triggshire|Trigg Minor]] in the County of Cornwall.'' Bodmin: Liddell & Son. |
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*Pearce, Rob. [1990?] "Luxulyan Church and the Stannaries". [http://homepages.rootsweb.com/~marcie/kernow/luxulyan.html Online; accessed 2006-06-27] |
*Pearce, Rob. [1990?] "Luxulyan Church and the Stannaries". [http://homepages.rootsweb.com/~marcie/kernow/luxulyan.html Online; accessed 2006-06-27] |
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*Polsue, Joseph. |
*Polsue, Joseph. 1867–1872. ''Parochial History of Cornwall'', vols 1—4. Truro: W. Lake, |
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*[[Richard Polwhele|Polwhele, Richard]] (1760–1838), ''The History of Devonshire'' (3 |
*[[Richard Polwhele|Polwhele, Richard]] (1760–1838), ''The History of Devonshire'' (3 vols. 1797–1806, reprinted 1977 by Kohler and Coombes, Dorking, 1977). |
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*Prideaux, R[oy] M. 1989. ''Prideaux: a Westcountry clan.'' Chichester: Phillimore & Co. {{ISBN|0-85033-674-0}}. |
*Prideaux, R[oy] M. 1989. ''Prideaux: a Westcountry clan.'' Chichester: Phillimore & Co. {{ISBN|0-85033-674-0}}. |
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*Rowe, John. [1990?] "A Short History of Luxulyan Parish and The Parish Church of St. Cyriac and St. Julitta". [http://homepages.rootsweb.com/~marcie/kernow/luxulyan.html Online; accessed 2006-06-27] |
*Rowe, John. [1990?] "A Short History of Luxulyan Parish and The Parish Church of St. Cyriac and St. Julitta". [http://homepages.rootsweb.com/~marcie/kernow/luxulyan.html Online; accessed 2006-06-27] |
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*Vivian, J. L. 1887. ''The Visitations of the County of Cornwall.'' |
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*Vivian, J. L. 1895. ''The Visitations of the County of Devon.'' |
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== External links == |
== External links == |
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*[http://www.eng-h.gov.uk/mpp/mcd/smhf.htm Monuments Protection Programme: Small Multivallate Hill Forts] |
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*[http://www.themodernantiquarian.com/site/1964 Images of "Prideaux Hillfort"] |
*[http://www.themodernantiquarian.com/site/1964 Images of "Prideaux Hillfort"] |
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*{{gbmapping|cap=1|SX 0592 5567}} |
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*[http://www.chrisandjudith.netfirms.com/prideaux_castle.htm Chris Clarke's Prideaux Castle Page, with images] |
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*[https://web.archive.org/web/20060721200444/http://www.old-maps.co.uk/oldmaps/index_external.jsp 1888 OS Map of Prideaux Castle Grid Ref: 205948,55622] |
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*[http://www.cornish-mining.org.uk/story/prehistory.htm Prehistoric Mining in Cornwall] |
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*[http://www.cornish-mining.org.uk/story/medieval.htm Medieval Mining in Cornwall] |
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*[http://getamap.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/getamap/frames.htm?mapAction=gaz&gazName=g&gazString=SX059556 UK Ordnance Survey Map of Prideaux Castle near St Blazey] |
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*[http://www.old-maps.co.uk/oldmaps/index_external.jsp 1888 OS Map of Prideaux Castle Grid Ref: 205948,55622] |
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*[http://www.multimap.com/map/photo.cgi?client=public&X=206000&Y=55750&gride=206000&gridn=55600&scale=5000&coordsys=gb&db=&lang=&mapsize=big Aerial Photo of Prideaux Castle] |
*[http://www.multimap.com/map/photo.cgi?client=public&X=206000&Y=55750&gride=206000&gridn=55600&scale=5000&coordsys=gb&db=&lang=&mapsize=big Aerial Photo of Prideaux Castle] |
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*[http://getamap.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/getamap/frames.htm?mapAction=gaz&gazName=g&gazString=SW913756 UK Ordnance Survey Map of Prideaux Place (Padstow)] |
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[[Category:Hill forts in Cornwall]] |
[[Category:Hill forts in Cornwall]] |
Latest revision as of 23:05, 21 November 2024
50°22′08″N 4°43′50″W / 50.3689°N 4.7305°W Prideaux Castle /ˈprɪdɪks/ is a multivallate Iron Age hillfort situated atop a 133 m (435 ft) high conical hill near the southern boundary of the parish of Luxulyan, Cornwall, England, United Kingdom. It is also sometimes referred to as Prideaux Warren, Prideaux War-Ring, or Prideaux Hillfort. The site is a scheduled monument[1] and so protected from unauthorised works by the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979.
Physical description
[edit]The remains of the first and second circular ramparts are quite distinct, although overgrown with trees on the north and east sides. They appear to be constructed of earth and rubble. The third rampart is only fragmentarily represented, but easily traced, due to the vegetation. A fourth, outermost wall is discerned on aerial photographs,[2] or on the 1888 Ordnance Survey map.[3] This outermost wall is in the form of an incomplete "D" shape, extending to the west and south on the downhill slope of the site. There are two entrances, typical of the small hillfort,[4] located on the eastern and northern side (i.e., opposite the fourth wall), where it is most wooded. There is no evidence of dressed stones. The palisade and any internal structures would have been of wooden construction and must have perished without trace.
The enclosed area is level and described from the ground as being somewhat elliptical, although from aerial photographs it appears nearly circular.[2] Its diameter is about 100 m, with an area of about 0.8 ha. Its present use is as a cattle pasture, with a frangible, pinkish stone (possibly Devonian sandstone) forming the substrate. Its condition is slowly deteriorating, with less structure now visible than was shown on the 1888 survey map.[3] The northern and eastern ramparts are overgrown with trees, merging into forest. In the vicinity, there is much evidence of mining for iron, tin and kaolinite, with quarries, pits, shafts and dumps in abundance.
The word castle has long been employed colloquially to designate prehistoric remains of this general type throughout Great Britain. Prideaux Castle has also been known as Prideaux Warren. Adjacent to the fort are two extents of forest, one named "Prideaux Woods," the other "Warren Woods." Even after centuries of deforestation these join to another forest, "North Slope Woods," covering the south side of Luxulyan Valley. Some of this forestation has been backfilled during recent periods; other parts are known to be ancient.
Prideaux Wood (SX0655) near St Blazey is the site of a disused quarry. Around a quarter of this woodland is of ancient origin; the remainder being coniferous and planted in the 1960s. The conifers are gradually being removed, with care being taken not to disturb the numerous greater horseshoe bat colonies which roost here.
Etymology
[edit]Cornish etymology
[edit]Most of the authorities[6] agree that the earliest form of the name was something like [prɪdjas], and that the name is of Cornish origin. The first documented appearance of the French spelling Prideaux did not appear until Plantagenet times. For at least the past several centuries the name has been /ˈprɪdɪks/ in Cornwall and Devon. The final /ks/ is a spelling pronunciation of the x in the French orthography.
A derivation from Cornish bre "hill" + Cornish dinas "castle; fort" → *bredinas may be suggested. A development from this otherwise plausible form would have to account for the initial devoicing, as well as the loss of the nasal.[citation needed]
"Near the waters"
[edit]Several fanciful etymologies have been proposed, based on the assumption of French origin. For example, the 18th century Cornish historian Thomas Tonkin derived it from the French phrase près d'eaux "near [the] waters":
...for the sea formerly flowed up as high as this place, till the (tin) stream works choked up its entrance, any one that views the high cliffs under this place, and those on the opposite side of the valley in Tywardreath, must needs be convinced of....
This etymology is somewhat implausible for a hilly location at an elevation of some 135 metres located several kilometres from the sea.[citation needed]
Prehistory
[edit]Bronze Age
[edit]The earliest occupation in the vicinity of the site dates from the Bronze Age. Cornwall has functioned continuously since high antiquity as a centre of tin mining and trade, tin being an essential ingredient of bronze. The fort is situated not far from the ancient trade route which later became known as the Saints' Way; from here tin was traded as far as the Levant.
The central role of tin mining in the local economy seem to have a continuity leading up to the stannary "Pridias",[7] which in later times was one of the "tithings" (administrative districts) of the Blackmoor Stannary, centered at nearby Hensbarrow Beacon, with its records stored at the church in Luxulyan.
Iron Age
[edit]Without datable artifacts, the hillfort is nonetheless assigned to the Iron Age of pre-Roman Britain on the basis of its general form. Because the enclosed area is less than 1 ha, it would be classified as a "small multivallate hillfort", resembling most others of that type.[4] There is no physical evidence that any structure was ever built upon the site subsequent to the Iron Age.
History
[edit]Domesday
[edit]There are at the present time three inhabited places arranged in an arc or line a few hundred metres to the north of the Castle. On the 1888 map[3] they are called "Prideaux," "Little Prideaux," and "Great Prideaux." The Domesday Book of 1086 mentions nothing that could be identified by name with either Luxulyan or Prideaux (Pridias). The nearest manor to Prideaux Castle listed is Tywardreath (Tiwardrai), about 1.5 km to the southeast. Next nearest would have been Bodiggo (Bodenwitghi) at about 2.5 km. Both of these manors are recorded as held by Richard Fitz Thorold from Robert, Count of Mortain, William the Conqueror's half brother.
Pridis (Prideaux) stannary tithing
[edit]The economy of Prideaux may have been based in part on the stannary. Britain, specifically Cornwall was famous for tin, a key ingredient of bronze and thus an important trade item during the Bronze Age.
In 1201 King John of England chartered four stannaries in Cornwall: Foweymoor (Bodmin Moor), Blackmoor (Hensbarrow downs near Saint Austell), Tywarnhaile (Truro to Saint Agnes) and Penwith-with-Kerrier. Blackmoor was the oldest stannary, with eight subdivisions called tithings.
Pridis (which is near the Cornish original of Prideaux) is listed as one of the eight tithings of the Blackmoor stannary.
See also
[edit]- List of hill forts in England
- List of hill forts in Scotland
- List of hill forts in Wales
- Cornish Bronze Age
- Mining in Cornwall and Devon
References
[edit]- ^ Historic England. "Prideaux Castle (1006663)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 14 December 2018.
- ^ a b Aerial Photo of Prideaux Castle
- ^ a b c Grid Ref: 205948,55622 Archived 2006-07-21 at the Wayback Machine.
- ^ a b Monuments Protection Programme: Small Multivallate Hill Forts Archived 2006-09-25 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Prideaux Wood at The Ancient Tree Forum (ATF) and the Woodland Trust Ancient Tree Forum Archived 2006-09-25 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ R. M. Prideaux, "Prideaux: A Westcountry Clan".
- ^ The original Cornish language form of "Prideaux"
Bibliography
[edit]- Bartlett, J. 1856. "The History of St Blazey: a lecture". Online; accessed 2006-06-30.
- Maclean, Sir John. 1873. The Parochial and Family History of the Deanery of Trigg Minor in the County of Cornwall. Bodmin: Liddell & Son.
- Pearce, Rob. [1990?] "Luxulyan Church and the Stannaries". Online; accessed 2006-06-27
- Polsue, Joseph. 1867–1872. Parochial History of Cornwall, vols 1—4. Truro: W. Lake,
- Polwhele, Richard (1760–1838), The History of Devonshire (3 vols. 1797–1806, reprinted 1977 by Kohler and Coombes, Dorking, 1977).
- Prideaux, R[oy] M. 1989. Prideaux: a Westcountry clan. Chichester: Phillimore & Co. ISBN 0-85033-674-0.
- Rowe, John. [1990?] "A Short History of Luxulyan Parish and The Parish Church of St. Cyriac and St. Julitta". Online; accessed 2006-06-27