Breamore Mizmaze

The mizmaze is scheduled ancient monument on a hillside around 2.5 miles south west of Downton. Cut into the chalk is a continuous sweep of eleven concentric rings, like a loosely coiled rope. It is one of eight surviving medieval turf mazes in England and one of only two surviving mizmazes. Its isolated position can only be reached by walking about a mile from Breamore House or by walking onto the downs up Wick Lane from Downton and following a number of footpaths across the Cranbourne Chase. Surrounding the mizmaze is a grove of yews adding to the atmosphere of this isolated spot. The Mizmaze is thought to date to the 12th or 13th centuries. It was used by the monks for penitential purposes. They would crawl along the path to the central mound, all the while reflecting on their sins and saying prayers at specific points. Extra information is available from a number of sources including the following website: cranbornechase.org.uk/chalkeboard/walking-to-the-breamore-mizmaze archaeology-travel.com/england/the-medieval-mizmaze-of-breamore-hampshire