Ancient secrets of Cornwall cliff revealed

Archaeologists have been unearthing the secrets of a Cornish cliff face which is in danger of being destroyed. 

The site is being eroded by winter storms [Credit: BBC]
Gunwalloe on the Lizard is thought to have been the site of an early medieval settlement and home for Saint Winwaloe from Brittany. 

But the site is eroded by winter storms every year. 

Now archaeologists and students from Exeter University are investigating the site which they fear may be lost forever. 

Historic documents suggest that Saint Winwaloe may have visited the site in the 6th Century AD and possibly lived in a hermitage in the cliffs behind the current church. 

It is thought that he came to convert the local Cornish people to Christianity. 

Local experts and archaeological groups working as volunteers, have teamed up with the National Trust, English Heritage and the South West Coast Path team to investigate the site with the archaeologists. 

Source: BBC News Website [August 14, 2011]