Barclodiad y Gawres

Barclodiad y Gawres in Anglesey is an ancient site, it is an actual Neolithic burial chamber dating back over 4-5000 years! Neolithic denotes the era towards the end of the stone age. That’s around the time the pyramids were being built in Egypt. Significantly large stones were used in its construction, no easy feat to get them to the site location.

The sites name means “Giantess’s apronful” this centers around the local story of how the chamber was created. Tired giants not wanting to travel after their apron strings upped, droppi their stones to create the mound.

The site was excavated in the early 50’s with some great items unearthed. The remains of two charred / cremated male bodies were in one of the larger internal chambers. Moreover it was customary at the time to cremate bodies, this is evidence of that. In the central section a fire was used to put out using an unusual mixture of items. Possibly a stew or a witches brew, we will never know. It contained a mixture of Wrasse, eels, snakes, frogs and other small animals. The bones of which preserved by a covering of Limpet shells otherwise they would have long since decomposed.

Following the excavation, parts including the roof were extensively rebuilt to preserve the site. The original cob stones of the chamber gradually taken by the local population. The stones were easy and free building material during the 18th century.

The stones that line the walls of the chamber carved with intricate diamond shapes. Serpentine and chevron shapes also adorn the stones inside. There are similar carvings near by in the burial chamber Bryn Celli Ddu. Ireland also has several sites similar to Barclodiad Y Gawres and they have similar markings. Other sites in Brittany and Spain have similar markings on chamber stones.

Access is available by prior booking with a key holder due to previous acts of vandalism at the site. Information is available at the site on the information boards. Parking is at Cable Bay which Barclodiad y Gawres sits above on a rocky outcrop. Pay and display charges are in effect but it’s not too expensive.

You can find Barclodiad y Cadres at Ty Croes LL63 5TE

Bryn Celli Ddu is a similarly remarkable chamber that’s located on the East coast of Anglesey. The entrance and exit are perfectly in symmetry with the summer solstice too.

Closest toilets are on the car park behind the beach at Tyn Tywyn but they are not always open. Rhosneigr library car park does have public toilets with a 20p charge. LL64 5YJ