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.