Ancient Monuments on Anglesey (original) (raw)

Ancient Monuments on Anglesey.

The island of Anglesey is rich with ancient monuments - over 120 scheduled ancient monuments - that are thousands of years old, and these atmospheric jewels in Anglesey's crown are well worth a visit. There are - for example - approximately 30 Neolithic / Bronze age burial chambers on the island, several ancient settlements, and Anglesey standing stones are abundant. We are not really aware of their purpose and we have yet to understand many of their secrets, but it is clear they had to do with some kind of pagan / pre-Christian worship. I have read that the strategic location of the Neolithic sites may represent Sagittarius - and that may be the case - but whatever the truth is they were certainly very important to the peoples that inhabited our island before us.

Most, but not all, are located within view of Anglesey's shores. In most cases the locations are in an elevated position, often within clear view of the Snowdonia mountain range on the mainland. Please ensure that you appreciate how important these sites are, and that care must be taken in order for successful preservation to continue.

Wherever you travel throughout Anglesey, you are sure to see ancient standing stones, and most would be between 4500 and 5000 years old. The earliest signs of life on Anglesey found during archaeological digs are 8,000 years old, and they are flint workings near Aberffraw.

Without a doubt this website has the most complete record and photographs of Anglesey's ancient monuments - and yet I still have so many to do.

Burial Chambers / Cromlechs / Dolmens / Passage Graves.

[Barclodiad y Gawres.](#Barclodiad y Gawres) Bodowyr Burial Chamber [Bryn Celli Ddu](#Bryn Celli Ddu).

[Bryn yr Hen Pobl](Ancientmonumentspage2.htm?#Bryn yr Hen Pobl) [Din Lligwy Cromlech. ](#Din Lligwy Cromlech) [Four Crosses Burial Chamber](Ancientmonumentspage2.htm#Four Crosses)
Henblas Burial Chamber [Llanfechell Cromlech](Ancientmonumentspage3.htm#Llanfechell Cromlech) [Llangefni Henge](#Llangefni Henge)

[Pant-y-Saer Cromlech](Ancientmonumentspage3.htm#Pant-y-Saer Cromlech) [Plas Newydd Burial Chamber.](#Plas Newydd Burial Chamber)

Presaddfed Burial Chamber. [Ty Newydd Burial Chamber.](#Ty Newydd Burial Chamber)

Rhoscolyn Burial Chamber [Trefignath Burial Chambers.](#Trefignath Burial Chambers)

Standing Stones - Maen Hir.

Bodewryd Standing Stone Bryn Gwyn Standing Stones

[Carreg Lleidr (Robber's Stone)](Ancientmonumentspage4.htm#Carreg Lleidr) Carreg y Bwgan

[Cunogussus Inscribed Stone](Ancientmonumentspage3.htm#Inscribed Stone) Llanddyfnan Standing Stone

Llandegfan Standing Stone [ Llanfaethlu Standing Stone](Ancientmonumentspage2.htm#Llanfaethlu Standing Stone)

Llanfechell Trio of Standing Stones Llangaffo Standing Stone

[Llech Golman](Ancient-monuments-page-6.htm#Llech Golman) [Maenaddwyn Standing Stone](Ancientmonumentspage2.htm#Maenaddwyn Standing Stone)

[ Penrhos Feilw Pair of Standing Stones](#Penrhos Feilw Standing Stones) [Pen-yr-Orsedd Standing Stone 1](Ancientmonumentspage3.htm#Pen-yr-Orsedd 1)

[Pen-yr-Orsedd Standing Stone 2](Ancientmonumentspage3.htm#Pen-yr-Orsedd 2) [Trearddur Standing Stone (Glan Traeth) ](Ancient-monuments-page-6.htm#Trearddur Standing Stone)

[ Ty Mawr Standing Stone (Trefignath)](Ancientmonumentspage4.htm#Ty Mawr)

Ancient Settlements.

[Caer Leb Settlement](Ancient-monuments-page-8.htm#caer leb) [Castell Aberlleiniog](Ancient-monuments-page-5.htm#castell aberlleiniog) [Castell Bryn Gwyn.](#Castell Bryn Gwyn)

[Din Lligwy Ancient Settlement](#Din Lligwy Settlement) Porthdafarch SettlementPlas Meilw Settlement [Ty Mawr Hut Circles](#Ty awr Hut Circles)

Other Antiquities.

Ercagni Stone Llangaffo Church Ancient Stones Eglwys Edern

Bodewryd Standing Stone. SH 406902

Certainly one of the tallest of Anglesey's standing stones. I didn't have any measuring tape with me but it was about double my height, and must therefore be between 11 and 12 feet tall. Stands erect in the middle of a field on the Plas Bodewryd estate.

In the welsh language the stone is known both as Carreglefn - the smooth stone, and also as Maen Pres - the brass stone. A legend says that if you cut into the ground around its shadow at a certain time of the day then you will discover treasures buried in a brass container. It is also said that if you can first find, and then read a supposed inscription on the stone, then this enormous stone will move aside to reveal the treasure.

Bodewryd Standing Stone and Judge William J. Wynn of Alabama Bodewryd Standing Stone Bodewryd Standing Stone Lichen Side

Bryn Celli Ddu. SH 507702

Close to the village of Llanddaniel Fab. This burial chamber is deservedly one of Anglesey's most important ancient monuments, and dates from circa 3000 years BC. A spiral inscription on one of the stones to the back of the mound is probably of Celtic origin.

Bryn Celli Ddu burial chamber mound. Bryn Celli Ddu tunnel leading to the inner chamber. Bryn Celli Ddu inner chamber standing stone.

Bryn Celli Ddu carved standing stone. Bryn Celli Ddu full photograph of the back of the mound. Bryn Celli Ddu sign.

Originally designed and built as a circle henge with a diameter of fifty seven feet, in the late Neolithic period this was destroyed by the building of the present burial chamber. Possibly suggestive of two early different religious cultures. It has a passage of over 25 feet, leading into the actual burial chamber. Inside you come across a free standing stone pillar. The site was excavated and repaired in four years, starting in 1927.

Ty Mawr Hut Circles - Holyhead. SH 212820

This site is remarkably well preserved, given that parts of it are 4000 years old. With the remains of about 20 or so round and stone houses, stores and workshops, and artefacts like a stone sink deeply embedded in the ground, this site is a must see. This was a settlement built around what became an agricultural site, so in effect these people were farmers. There has also been evidence found that they ate food gathered from the sea (in particular limpets). Hardly surprising, given that they were so close to the sea. Grinding stones were found on the site, indicating the processing of wheat. There is evidence of various settlements on the site with up to a 1000 years between them.

Hut Circles Picture 4 Hut Circles Picture 8 Hut Circles Picture 1 Hut Circles Picture 3

Hut Circles Picture 2 Hut Circles Picture 6 Hut Circles Picture 5

Located on the mountainside of Holyhead, Ty Mawr Hut Circles boasts a wonderful view of Snowdonia, and out to sea. This remains an extremely atmospheric site. The site was excavated during the 19th century, and coins and artefacts dating to Roman times were discovered. This site however, dates back to the Neolithic and early Bronze Ages.

Trefignath Burial Chambers - Holyhead SH 258806.

This site was built on a base of natural stone. and consisted of 3 separate burial chambers. Prior to their erection this site was inhabited. It was only when habitation ceased that these burial chambers were erected. Using carbon dating on objects found underneath these chambers the site has been dated to 3100BC.

Full site as far as it is possible to capture on film. Trefignath burial chamber at Holyhead. Far end of Trefignath site.

Now, this is not a joke!! When I got back to my computer, and looked at the photographs I had taken, I noticed to the left of the burial chamber what looks like some kind of wild animal? watching me. It resembles a gremlin in appearance. I swear I have not retouched this photograph.

Trefignath burial chamber, with what looks like a gremlin watching me??

Penrhos Feilw Standing Stones - Holyhead SH 227809.

This site dates from the early Bronze age - 2000-1500 BC, and the pair of standing stones are quite enigmatic. They face Holyhead mountain, but also Snowdonia, which is probably their true focus. They stand about 11 foot tall, and the same distance apart. Located within a couple of hundred yards of `Plas Meilw` Settlement. It is said that evidence of a cist burial containing arrow and spear heads were found between the stones, which may once have been the centre of a circle of stones, but in truth this site remains a mystery. There are several standing stones in the area that may or not be original. Certainly this area was once a location of much activity.

Anglesey, Holyhead, Penrhos Feilw Standing Stones Anglesey, Holyhead, Penrhos Feilw Standing Stones. Christine is modelling to show their size Anglesey, Holyhead, Penrhos Feilw Standing Stones Anglesey, Holyhead, Penrhos Feilw Standing Stones Anglesey, Holyhead, One of the Penrhos Feilw Standing Stones Anglesey, Holyhead, One of the Penrhos Feilw Standing Stones Anglesey, Holyhead, Penrhos Feilw Standing Stones. Obviously Cameron thinks he can move mountains! One of a pair of standing stones at Penrhos Feilw. Penrhos Feilw Standing Stones. Penrhos Feilw Standing Stones from a different angle.

Plas Newydd Burial Chamber SH 520697.

A stunning and simple ancient burial chamber, especially appreciated during the rising of the sun. This burial chamber is on a private estate, and permission must be obtained to view. There are 2 chambers, one larger than the other, with individual capstones on each.

Plas Newydd Burial Chamber View 1 Plas Newydd Burial Chamber View 2 Plas Newydd Burial Chamber View 3

Plas Newydd Burial Chamber View 4 Plas Newydd Burial Chamber View 5

There is a large singular stone just a hundred or so feet away that I include just out of interest.

Large Single Stone at Plas Newydd

Llanddyfnan Standing Stone. SH 502786

This stone stands at over 8 feet high and is approximately a yard wide. There are no site signs to indicate the age of this large standing stone.

Llanddyfnan Standing Stone Close Up. Llanddyfnan Standing Stone showing its surroundings.

Ty Newydd Burial Chamber SH 345738.

Ty Newydd burial chamber.

Located near to the village of Llanfaelog.

Barclodiad y Gawres Burial Mound. SH 329707

Translated as the Giantesses Apronful. The story goes that 2 giants were travelling to Anglesey to build a house, he carrying 2 large stones for the doorway, and she an apronful of smaller stones. On the way, they encountered a cobbler, and when they asked him how far it was to Anglesey he jokingly told them that he had used all the worn out shoes he carried walking from there. The giants gave up their journey and discarded the stones, thus creating the Barclodiad y Gawres. This chambered burial mound is located on the coast overlooking the bay, just 2 miles from the village of Aberffraw. Dating from circa 2500 BC. Houses five original carved stones. To stop vandalising of these stones, the gate to the burial chamber is locked. Inside the top of the large mound a concrete mound has been laid to protect the interior. To see the monument one first has to obtain the key from the Wayside Shop in Llanfaelog (a �5 deposit is required). The phone number is 01407 810153.

Barclodiad y Gawres Mound Barclodiad y Gawres Sign

Presaddfed Burial Chambers SH 347809.

Situated near the village of Bodedern. The remains of two Neolithic burial chambers. Possibly a portal tomb. Reputedly used in the 1700`s as a squat (for a small family?). Two chambers, one now supported by a solid wooden stilt, and the other has collapsed.

Two burial chambers at Presaddfed, showing the suppotrtive solid wood stilt. Main burial chamber at Presaddfed. Collapsed burial chamber at Presaddfed.

Presaddfed burial chamber and its surroundings in a field bordered by trees. Both burial chambers at Presaddfed. Sign at the entrance to the burial chambers giving date etc.

Din Lligwy Ancient Fortress Settlement SH 501861.

Located near Llanallgo, the settlement dates from the 4th century AD, where iron was smelted for tools and weapons. Nine buildings still survive on the site, which covers approximately half an acre and is enclosed by a low stone wall. Din Lligwy church built circa 1200AD is in the same area.

Dil Lligwy Stone Round House Din Lligwy Settlement Photo 2 Din Lligwy Settlement Photo 3 Din Lligwy Settlement Photo of part of boundary walls Din Lligwy Settlement Sign

Din Lligwy Cromlech SH 496862.

Din Lligwy Cromlech boasts an 18 by 15 foot capstone weighing in at 25 tons, and standing on eight short stones. The Cromlech dates from about 5000BC. When it was excavated in 1908, the site gave up its dead. Bones of men, women, and children were found.

Din Lligwy Cromlech Photo 1 Din Lligwy Cromlech Photo 2 Din Lligwy Cromlech Photo 3 Din Lligwy Cromlech Interior

Din Lligwy Cromlech Photo 5 Din Lligwy Cromlech Sign

Castell Bryn Gwyn SH 464671.

Located just outside Brynsiencyn. Believed to be an ancient religious sanctuary dating from 4500BC. I would guess the diameter of the circle to be a couple of hundred feet (ish).

Castell Bryn Gwyn Mound Castell Bryn Gwyn Castell Bryn Gwyn Sign

Llangefni Henge.

Located in the field next to Kwik Saves in Llangefni. I am reliably informed that these were only placed there in the 1950`s for an eisteddfod.

Llangefni Henge Erected 1957 Llangefni Henge Llangefni Stone Circle Llangefni Stone Circle Erected for the 1957 Eisteddfod Llangefni Stones Llangefni Stone Circle

Rhoscolyn Burial Chamber SH271752.

Situated near to Borthwen Beach in Rhoscolyn. In extremely good condition and looking out over the sea. Easily accessible from the beach. Doubt has been cast over its authenticity. Locals remember it being there in the 1940's.

Rhoscolyn Burial Chamber Rhoscolyn Burial Chamber Rhoscolyn Burial Chamber Close Up Rhoscolyn Burial Chamber Daffodils Rhoscolyn Burial Chamber Rhoscolyn Burial Chamber Rhoscolyn Burial Chamber