Two carvings of labyrinths in Rocky Valley, between Boscastle and Tintagel in north Cornwall, have been the subject of much discussion over the years, their origins variously ascribed to the Bronze Age, the early Christian period and even the 18th century. When earth mysteries enthusiast David Roberts visited the site recently, he took digital photographs of the two labyrinths. On returning home, he downloaded the photographs onto his computer and noticed a third carving above the two previously known rock-cut patterns.

The hitherto unnoticed labyrinth is much fainter than the other two, leading to suggestions that the two bolder images were re-cut over existing carvings in relatively modern times. An alternative suggestion is that the two known labyrinths were copied from the much older, worn carving. All three labyrinths appear to be classic ‘Cretan’ in style, with seven-fold paths and left-handed entrances, although the ‘new’ carving is indistinct and its details somewhat difficult to establish. The recently identified labyrinth, news of which was published in Cornish earth mysteries magazine Meyn Mamvro, was described by Mr Roberts as “faint but unmistakable”.

Meyn Mamvro 58, Autumn 2005.