Saints and Stones: Barclodiad y Gawres Burial Chamber
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The Barclodiad y Gawres Burial Chamber (Welsh for "apronful of the giantess") is a ca. 2500 B.C. Neolithic cruciform passage grave, a notable feature being its decorated stones in the chamber's walls and roofs. It is distinguished by a long passage leading to a central chamber with a corbelled roof. From this, it extends in three directions, creating a cross shape layout. The network of chambers is covered by a cairn and revetted with a kerb.

Other prominent cruciform passage grave examples are Newgrange in Ireland and Maeshowe in Orkney.

About Barclodiad y Gawres Burial Chamber

Megalithic Portal: Barclodiad-y-Gawres
Megalithics: Barclodiad y Gawres
The Modern Antiquarian: Barclodiad y Gawres
Wikipedia: Barclodiad y Gawres
Wikipedia: Cruciform Passage Grave

Journey to Barclodiad y Gawres Burial Chamber

You should call ahead to visit the Barclodiad y Gawres Burial Chamber, located two miles northwest of the village of Aberffraw off the A4080. To prevent any vandalising, the gate to the burial chamber is locked. According to CADW, the burial chamber can now be visited by appointment. Visitors should call the nearby Wayside Stores in Llanfaelog, one mile north of the chamber for more information (+44 1407 810153). In the past, a staff member would accompany visitors to the site. This chamber is well worth the hassle, notable for its brilliant 2,500 B.C. decorated stones. The burial chamber can be viewed externally throughout the year after a ten minute walk from the parking lot along the coast trail.

Streetmap UK (NGR SH32907074)

Visitors Information

Visitors information for Barclodiad y Gawres Burial Chamber may be found at the Megalithic Portal website. General tourist information may be found at the Visit Anglesey website.

Additional Photos of Barclodiad y Gawres Burial Chamber

Barclodiad y Gawres Is on the Coastal Path
Path to Barclodiad y Gawres
Descriptive Sign at Barclodiad y Gawres
Approaching Barclodiad y Gawres
Entrance to Barclodiad y Gawres
Signs in Welsh and English at Entrance to Barclodiad y Gawres
Entrance to Interior, Barclodiad y Gawres
Stones at Entrance to Interior, Barclodiad y Gawres
Decorated Stones, Interior, Barclodiad y Gawres
Decorated Stone, Interior, Barclodiad y Gawres
Decorated Stones, Interior, Barclodiad y Gawres
Decorated Stone, Interior, Barclodiad y Gawres
Close-Up, Decorated Stone, Interior, Barclodiad y Gawres
Interior, Barclodiad y Gawres
Interior, Barclodiad y Gawres
Leaving the Interior of Barclodiad y Gawres
Barclodiad y Gawres Burial Chamber


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