Goonhilly Downs is archaeologically significant for its large concentration of Early Bronze Age (c2500 to 1500 BC) round barrows. The Dry Tree menhir (standing stone) forms part of a well preserved ancient ceremonial landscape at Dry Tree, which is the highest point of the Downs. The standing stone, which had been toppled in antiquity, was only re-erected in 1928. There is also a large barrow, named in an Anglo-Saxon charter as cruc drænoc or ‘barrow at thorns’, which marks the meeting point of five parish boundaries, and is also a waymark along an important medieval trackway.
More about the Menhir on The Modern Antiquarian
The Earth Station is built on part of the site of a WW2 Chain Home radar station, RAF Dry Tree, and the concrete bases of the radar receiver and transmitter masts and mast stays are scattered over the site, as well as the remnants of over 50 buildings and more than a hundred anti-landing obstructions. The nearby area housed another three radar bases (Treleaver, Trelanvean and Pen Olver) and an airfield at RAF Predannack, making for a wealth of WW2 archaeology.
More about the Chain Home Radar System on Radarpages.co.uk
As well as the visible remains of RAF Drytree, some of the site was subsumed by the Goonhilly Satellite Earth Station, one of the first three satellite stations in the world. It was from here, in 1962, that the first live transatlantic television picture was transmitted to America from Antenna No. 1. This Antenna, now christened Arthur, has recently been given Grade II Listed Building status.
More about the dishes on the BT Goonhilly website
With thanks to Historic Environment Service at Cornwall County Council. Photos copyright BT Heritage.
Other history links
St Keverne Local History Society
Cornish Megalithic postcards
Subterranea Britannica
The Goonhilly Site circa 1960 WW2 CH receiver tower 'Arthur' under construction