Barclodiad y Gawres

Barclodiad y Gawres is neolithic burial chamber between Rhosneigr and Aberffraw. This is a classic example of a cruciform passage grave, it’s main features being its decorated stones. Similar graves and stone marks are in existence across the Irish Sea in the Boyne Valley in County Meath, Ireland.

Barclodiad y Gawres is the largest burial chamber on the Isle of Anglesey and certainly the most prominent situated on the headland sandwiched between the stunning Porth Trecastell (Cable bay) and Porth Nobla.

Between 1952-53, full excavations were undertaken, after which the chamber was re-roofed with concrete and then covered with turf to resemble the original structure.

During the excavations two cremated young male burials were found within the south-western side-chamber.

The central area of the main chamber contained the remains of a fire on which had been poured a stew including wrasse, eel, frog, toad, grass-snake, mouse, shrew and hare, then covered with limpet shells and pebbles.