Bryn Celli Ddu
Burial Chamber
Bryn Celli Ddu neolithic burial chamber overlying a henge monument.
Late 3rd millenium BC. Llanddaniel Fab , Anglesey, North Wales.
Bryn
Celli Ddu is one of many ancient sites on the beautiful Isle of Anglesey
and is one of Wales' most famous ancient monuments. It is also one of
the few burial chambers that you can enter. Situated in a field near
the village of Llanddaniel Fab close to the Menai Strait on the Isle
of Anglesey. The entrance to the burial chamber is through a 20 foot
long passageway. It is known that the site was broken into in 1699 by
men with lanterns who were terrified by the site of the rounded pillar
standing like a ghost in the main chamber. The site became more derelict
over the years until in 1927-31 it was excavated and restored.
Evidence suggests the site is the product of two different religious
systems. The first phase is a henge, an open air sanctuary for religious
ceremonies and included the ditch and bank and the ring of stones.
Phase two is the burial chamber, a classic passage grave with a high
chamber roof and lower passage roof.
No bones or other artefacts were found during the excavations but there
is a rough spiral inscription on the first stone on the left as you
enter the chamber, and a stone with zig zag inscriptions standing alone
on the outside of the chamber.
Cadw, the Welsh heritage organisation, have recently (1999) made the
paths more accessible, and tidied the site. However it is a pity they
couldn't have erected the boundary fences further from the chamber.
Directions: [ Map
of Bryn Celli Ddu location ]
On crossing the bridge over the Menai Straight on to the Isle of Anglesey turn
left toward Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwll-llantysiliogogogoch (yes
the town with the long name). Take the A4080 for approx. 2 miles and turn right
at first crossroads. The tomb is signposted, park where the road widens, or
carry on a few yards to new dedicated car park. There is a path across the fields
to the chamber. |
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