Barclodiad y Gawres is one of the most impressive of the many prehistoric remains on the Isle of anglesey. This Neolithic chambered tomb has been partially reconstructed, which helps a great deal to give an idea of the site and how it was used. The most historically important feature of Barclodiad y Gawres are the wealth of carved stones, particularly several carved with spiral patterns similar to those found at Bryn Celli Ddu, also on Anglesey. These spiral patterns are unique in Wales, and have more similarity to decorated tombs in Ireland than to other British sites.
Rhosneigr,
Anglesey,
Isle of Anglesey,
Gwynedd,
Wales
A Neolithic burial chamber, or passage grave. The chamber consists of three large upright stones with a capstone on top, and the interior is reached by a short passagway at the east end. Easy, signed access in a farm field makes this one of the most visited prehistoric sites on Anglesey.
B4419,
Llangaffo,
Gwynedd,
Wales
A badly damaged portal dolmen in a superbly scenic location just a few miles from Dyffryn Ardudwy. The large capstone has slipped from its perch.
Barmouth,
Gwynedd,
Wales
Fifteen stones survive in this cairn circle. The stones, up to 6 feet tall, spread out from the centre of the cairn like a porcupine's bristles. Access is via a 4 mile walk through marshy ground, so be sure to bring good footwear!
Talsarnau,
Gwynedd,
Wales
Very well preserved megalithic mound tomb, one of the finest in Britain. Bring a torch (flashlight). The earthwork tomb was once surrounded by a stone circle, which seems to have been destroyed in the construction of the tomb. A soiltary standing stone still stands before the entrance to the tomb.
Two large stones are all that remain of this large circle that must originally have sported 8 stones in a ring of 40 feet in diameter. These are among the tallest standing stones in Wales, with one at 13 feet in height and the other measuring about 10 feet.
Llangaffno,
Pont Mynach,
Anglesey,
Isle of Anglesey,
Gwynedd,
Wales
The name Caer Leb translates loosely as Leaven Castle. That might conjure up images of battlements and drawbridges, but nothing could be further from the truth. This 'castle' is a prehistoric enclosure near the River Braint. The site is bounded by an arrangement of double banks and ditches, some sections of which have since been levelled. The origins of Caer Leb are unclear, but it seems likely that it was built in the 2nd century BCE, and remained in use until well into the Roman period.
Brynsiencyn,
Gwynedd,
Wales
A Neolithic burial chamber, built sometime around 2000 BCE. There are two false entrances, but the real tomb is entred from the south, where an inner passage leads to a cross passage leading to two circular burial chambers located on an east/west axis. The false entries may have been created not to deceive grave robbers, as happened in ancient Egypt, but simply to create places for ceremonial observances.
Capel Garmon,
Gwynedd,
Wales
One of a number of prehistoric sites in the fields near Brynsiencyn village, Castell Bryn Gwyn is a fortified enclosure, probably erected in the Neolithic period, though it appears to have been used throughout the Iron Age and the Roman period. The first occupation at Bryn Gwyn appears to have been as early as 2500 BCE. Flint tools and pottery from the 3rd millenium have been found underneath the earthen walls that suround the site.
Brynsiencyn,
Isle of Anglesey,
Gwynedd,
Wales
Five low stones in a circle that has been called the smallest in Britain. Quartz deposits have been unearthed in a pit in the centre of the circle. Circle 275 is quite close to the more striking Druid's Circle.
Penmaenmawr,
Gwynedd,
Wales
