For 2,000 years, the “Merry Maidens” stone circle has sat in a field near Lamorna, in southern Cornwall. Though the stones’ true purpose is a mystery, local legend has it that maidens being pursued by an amorous lad were turned to stone, along with the suitor, by gods who disapproved of their activities. The stone said to be the lad sits about 100 yards away.

[Times photo: Scott Keeler]