The Men-an-Tol

It is commonly believed that the three stones that comprise The Men-an-Tol (near Penzance, Cornwall) are the remains of a Neolithic tomb. Holed stones have been found near the entrances to many burial chambers. The round center stone is believed to have the power to heal illness. Children were passed three times, naked, through the hole and then dragged through the grass three times toward the east, in order to cure rickets or tuberculosis. For adults, the ritual was a bit different. An adult, wishing relief from rheumatism or spinal problems, crawled nine times through the hole, sunwise. It is interesting that the nearest village to the Men-an-Tol is called 'Madron'.