King Doniert’s Stone / Menkov Donyerth Ruw is the base for a Celtic memorial cross that dates to the late 9th century. It is thought to commemorate King Doniert (Durngarth), the last recorded King of Cornwall. There is a mortice hole cut into the top of the stone which is where the cross would have been fitted. An interlace pattern is carved on three sides of the stone and on the fourth is an inscription in Latin,
“Doniert rogavit pro anima”
which translates as “Doniert has begged for prayers for his soul”
Next to the base stone is another Celtic decorated base known as ‘The Other Half Stone’ which was also meant to support a granite cross. The front is decorated with an eight-cord plait, the two sides are plain so it is not known if this was ever finished.
These stones stand at the side of the road across the moors to Minions village, close to the turn off to Siblyback Lake. The stones and land on which they stand was given to the nation by G P N Glencross, M A Rundle and L S Lang. The site was enclosed and laid out at the cost of the Liskeard Old Cornwall Society.
Source of information is from the information plaques at the site.
Cornwall in Colours 
So much interesting history in your area Jude. King of Cornwall? Amazing that all these relics still remain
So much history in the whole of the British Isles! And so much more to be discovered no doubt. Yes, who’d have thought there was once a King of Cornwall!!
Ah-ha! Caught me having naughty orange cake and wine for lunch. It’s a cloudy day and I need the Wifi at our local cafe is my excuse. Sending hugs xx
No one needs an excuse for wine. The orange cake on the other hand… 😉
So much amazing history!
The stone fence in the background caught my eye. It looks like Mother Nature is winning the battle on this one and is almost finished completely engulfing the stone in greenery.
… and time marches on …
It is very wet up on these moors – everything is green!
It has endured well, since the 9th century. They knew how to make things back then!
Best wishes, Pete. x
This granite rock is very hard!
Here we think 1635 is very old!
I wonder who drew the first Celtic knot and plat designs. Oh for a time machine once in a while.
Some sailor no doubt.
Speaking of questions about antiquities in England, have you ever been to the Shell Grotto in Margate?
http://shellgrotto.co.uk/history/
No I haven’t been there, but there are several shell grottos in England, mainly on large estates. I have seen a beautifully decorated Shell House in the gardens of Bicton, Devon. Most likely Victorian.
http://www.londongardenstrust.org/features/grotto.htm
Thanks for the link. This subject is new to me.
These are remarkable traces of the past. Great post, Jude.
There is an old stone in the town I visit often. I shall try and find it for the next traces of the past.
It’s incredible to think of these stones being so old. We are always struck by the ancient-ness of everything when we visit England. Lovely photos with a fascinating story. Thanks Jude.