Rhys Mwyn (Member no: 585)

Barclodiad y Gawres

It’s always good to hear different views and theories. We don’t fully understand the meaning or significance of the carvings – the zig-zag / chevron patters and the spirals. I just feel that the experience of those visiting is enhanced if they feel they can contribute to the discussions.

Barclodiad y Gawres / Rhys Mwyn / Stone Club Newsletter

Barclodiad y Gawres is one of the better-known Neolithic Burial Chambers on Ynys Môn (Anglesey) and alongside Bryn Celli Ddu belongs to the passage tomb group. Dating to the early 3d milenium BC, Barclodiad shares a lot of characteristics with the passage tombs of the Boyne Valley in Ireland, Newgrange being the most famous.

As the Irish tombs are earlier, it would seem that this passage tomb tradition was introduced to Ynys Môn from Ireland. Barclodiad was only really ‘discovered fully’ following excavations in the 1950’s. The site at Porth Trecastell was known historically and the location often referred to as Mynyd Cnwc which means the rocky hill. Barclodiad y Gawres translates as the Giantess’s Apronfull and is often used in Welsh tradition to explain a pile of stones.

But it was the 1950’s excavations that uncovered the carved stones (five initially and a more recent discovery of a 6th carved stone) and this was the major game changer. Following the discovery of the carvings, the site was covered by an artificial mound and a rather wonderful ‘Brutalist’ concrete which I would argue in itself is of archaeological interest.

My work as a Blue Badge Tour Guide has resulted in my becoming one of the few keyholders for Barclodiad (under the care of Cadw) – the site is under lock and only supervised access is allowed. This Summer I took part in a series of Open Days at the site. Hundreds of people turned up and as well as giving them the general background and context to the site I encouraged as much debate as possible.

It’s always good to hear different views and theories. We don’t fully understand the meaning or significance of the carvings – the zig-zag / chevron patters and the spirals. I just feel that the experience of those visiting is enhanced if they feel they can contribute to the discussions. It worked well.

Barclodiad is special. I am always aware of how privileged I am to work here and to share this site with others.