Barclodiad y Gawres

Barclodiad y Gawres

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 is 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 the Boyne valley of Ireland than to other British sites, suggesting a cultural link across the Irish Sea.

The name of this Neolithic tomb means "the giantess's apronful", which gives you an idea of its impressive size. The tomb is built to a cruciform pattern, with a central area containing a hearth, and side chambers. Two cremated male burials were discovered in one of the side chambers.

Stone 22, Barclodiad y Gawres

Other finds include pins made from antlers, pieces of pottery, and animal bones. The central hearth was covered with a layer of limpet shells and beach pebbles. Most intriguingly, the fire on the hearth had been allowed to burn for a long time before being quenched with a mixture of frog, snakes, toads, eels, hares, fish, and mice.

The central area does not appear to have been used for burials, but rather for ceremonial purposes.

The conical mound we see today is a modern reconstruction. It rises 27m (90 feet) high. A 7m (23 feet) passage leads into the heart of the tomb, to the inner chamber.

Six of the stones within the inner chamber are carved with spirals, chevrons, lozenge shapes, and zig-zag patterns. The most impressive of these stones is an upright monolith known as Stone 22.

Stone 8, Barclodiad y Gawres

The exterior of the tomb can be viewed at any time, but interior access is limited to accompanied seasonal viewing. See the Cadw website for current tour details.

That said, you can get a good view of the tomb interior through an iron grill in the tomb mouth.

The name Barclodiad y Gawres comes from a local legend that a giant woman was carrying huge stones in her apron. When she dropped the stones, they formed the burial mound.

Getting There

The easiest access is from the car park at Porth Trecastell, on the A4080, south of Rhosneigr. From the car park, simply follow the signposted coastal path onto the headland, a distance of no more than 500 metres. Note that there are no facilities on-site.