Men-an-Tol

Men-an-Tol, meaning “stone of the hole” in Cornish, is one of Cornwall’s most enigmatic prehistoric monuments, consisting of three granite stones—two upright pillars flanking a perfectly circular stone with a large hole through its center. Dating possibly to the Neolithic or Bronze Age (circa 3000-1500 BCE), the site’s original purpose remains unknown, though the holed stone has been associated with healing rituals for centuries. Local tradition claims that crawling through the hole nine times against the sun can cure various ailments, particularly rickets in children, and that wishes made while passing through the stone are granted by ancient spirits.

The most commonly reported paranormal phenomena at Men-an-Tol involve protective or guardian spirits. Numerous witnesses describe seeing a tall, shadowy figure standing near the stones, particularly during twilight or misty conditions, believed to be an ancient guardian or shaman protecting the sacred site. Some visitors report feeling an invisible presence watching them, and several people have described feeling pushed away from the stones or experiencing overwhelming sensations of not being welcome, particularly those approaching with disrespectful intentions. Conversely, people seeking healing or approaching with reverence often report feelings of peace, warmth, and acceptance. Some witnesses describe seeing ghostly figures—sometimes children, sometimes adults—crawling through the hole, believed to be residual images of healing rituals performed over millennia.

The holed stone itself is said to possess unusual properties. Many visitors report feeling energy or warmth emanating from the stone, particularly when touching the edges of the hole. Some describe tingling sensations or feeling electrical currents running through their bodies when passing through. Dowsers detect powerful energy lines converging at the site, and the stone is said to be particularly active during full moons and Celtic festival dates. Mysterious lights, orbs, and electromagnetic anomalies are frequently reported and photographed. The site has a strong association with piskies (Cornish fairies), and local folklore warns that the stones are under fairy protection—anyone attempting to damage or remove them will face supernatural retribution. Modern pagans, healers, and spiritualists consider Men-an-Tol one of Cornwall’s most powerful sacred sites, claiming the ancient healing spirits still respond to genuine seekers. Whether the site’s paranormal activity stems from guardian spirits, residual energy from countless healing rituals, or genuine earth energies focused by the unique holed stone, Men-an-Tol remains one of Britain’s most mysteriously active prehistoric monuments.