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The Ancient Celts, Barry Cunliffe

The Ancient Celts, Barry Cunliffe

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<< Our Photo Pages >> Bryn Celli Ddu - Passage Grave in Wales in Anglesey

Submitted by AngieLake on Tuesday, 21 June 2022  Page Views: 57273

Neolithic and Bronze AgeSite Name: Bryn Celli Ddu Alternative Name: Black Grove Hill, Bryn-Celli-Ddu, Bryncelli Ddu
Country: Wales County: Anglesey Type: Passage Grave
Nearest Town: Holyhead  Nearest Village: Llanfairpwllgwyngyl
Map Ref: SH50757017  Landranger Map Number: 114
Latitude: 53.207582N  Longitude: 4.236232W
Condition:
5Perfect
4Almost Perfect
3Reasonable but with some damage
2Ruined but still recognisable as an ancient site
1Pretty much destroyed, possibly visible as crop marks
0No data.
-1Completely destroyed
 5 Ambience:
5Superb
4Good
3Ordinary
2Not Good
1Awful
0No data.
 3 Access:
5Can be driven to, probably with disabled access
4Short walk on a footpath
3Requiring a bit more of a walk
2A long walk
1In the middle of nowhere, a nightmare to find
0No data.
 4 Accuracy:
5co-ordinates taken by GPS or official recorded co-ordinates
4co-ordinates scaled from a detailed map
3co-ordinates scaled from a bad map
2co-ordinates of the nearest village
1co-ordinates of the nearest town
0no data
 5

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I have visited· I would like to visit

whitemere graemefield 43559959 Vandora Couplands would like to visit

Chrus visited on 13th Jul 2023 - their rating: Cond: 4 Amb: 5 Access: 4

lscollinson visited on 2nd Sep 2019 - their rating: Cond: 4 Amb: 5 Access: 4 There is conjecture that the standing stone inside the chamber is actually a petrified tree stump.

Richard13 visited on 1st Jul 2019 - their rating: Cond: 5 Amb: 3 Access: 4

elad13 visited on 22nd Jun 2019 - their rating: Cond: 3 Amb: 4 Access: 4

bishop_pam visited on 30th May 2019 - their rating: Cond: 5 Amb: 5 Access: 3

cactus_chris visited on 17th Jun 2018 - their rating: Cond: 5 Amb: 5 Access: 4

lichen visited on 1st Sep 2017 - their rating: Cond: 3 Amb: 5 Access: 4

markhewins visited on 11th Jun 2015 Photographed the petrified tree central pillar.

Solsticelady visited on 1st Jan 2014 - their rating: Cond: 4 Amb: 5 Access: 4 Stunning, wonderful place. I tried to imagine what it would be like if I came back here on my birthday, which is the 21st of December. A little chilly perhaps? and a long drive from Cheshire. I read that a companion of a writer here felt that 'bad things' may have happened. Funny, it made me feel happy to be there somehow. Just imagination I expect ?

coin visited on 1st Jan 2013 - their rating: Cond: 5 Amb: 5 Access: 4 Fantastic Welsh site

pickle1984 visited on 29th Mar 2012 - their rating: Cond: 4 Amb: 5 Access: 3 Awesome passage tomb, well worth a visit. There was localised flooding on the access path when we went due to an issue with the farmers field.

jeniferj visited on 18th Aug 2011 - their rating: Cond: 3 Amb: 4 Access: 4

RABarnett visited on 1st Jul 2011 - their rating: Cond: 5 Amb: 5 Access: 4

markj99 visited on 20th Apr 2011 - their rating: Cond: 4 Amb: 5 Access: 4 There is a balance to be struck in restoring an ancient site. Sites such as Newgrange seem in my eyes to be over-restored losing some of their original character. The restoration of Bryn Celli Ddu on the other hand has been sympathetic allowing it to retain an air of antiquity.

petelovespurple visited on 4th Jan 2011 - their rating: Cond: 4 Amb: 4 Access: 4 A short walk from where I left my car, on good paths Well signed descriptive boards, showing its stages of development. I met a ghost inside which added character to the place 15 photos on my flickr photostream in a set of the same name

philpye visited on 5th Oct 2010 - their rating: Cond: 4 Amb: 4 Access: 4

lhcrandall visited on 3rd Sep 2010 - their rating: Cond: 4 Amb: 5 Access: 4 Amazing place - loved it!

shawid visited on 1st Jul 2010 - their rating: Cond: 4 Amb: 4 Access: 4

crystalskull84 visited on 6th May 2010 - their rating: Cond: 4 Amb: 4 Access: 4

jeffrep visited on 7th May 2009 - their rating: Cond: 4 Amb: 5 Access: 3

SteveC visited on 20th Oct 2008 - their rating: Cond: 5 Amb: 5 Access: 4 Excellent tomb in a glorious setting. Inside the chamber is what some think to be a pretrified tree trunk with what appears to be human carving in the 'wood'

SolarMegalith visited on 1st Jul 2008 - their rating: Cond: 5 Amb: 4 Access: 4

lhcrandall visited on 4th Oct 2006 - their rating: Cond: 4 Access: 5 Amazing place - loved it!

BolshieBoris visited on 1st Jun 2006 - their rating: Cond: 4 Amb: 5 Access: 4

Tonnox visited on 17th Jul 1994 - their rating: Cond: 5 Amb: 5 Access: 4

druid visited - their rating: Cond: 3 Amb: 4 Access: 4

Twistytwirly visited - their rating: Cond: 4 Amb: 4 Access: 4

mark_a Andy B Bladup Jimwithnoname DrewParsons guile cerrig PAB rldixon myf nicoladidsbury hamish AngieLake sem TimPrevett Wazza12 have visited here

Average ratings for this site from all visit loggers: Condition: 4.15 Ambience: 4.56 Access: 3.92

Bryn Celli Ddu
Bryn Celli Ddu submitted by dodomad : Images from the summer solstice concert by Gwenno on top of Bryn Celli Ddu, Saturday 18th June. With Tin Shed Theatre and CADW Photo Credit: Anglesey History (Vote or comment on this photo)
Passage Grave in Anglesey. The island's most famous passage tomb, which was built on top of a circle-henge. Its name means 'the mound in the dark grove'. It was plundered in 1699 and archaeologically excavated between 1928 and 1929. There is an ongoing archaeology project each summer investigating the surrounding landscape.

During the Neolithic period a stone circle and henge stood at the site. An area of burnt material containing a small human bone from the ear, covered with a flat stone, was recovered.

The stones were removed in the early Bronze Age when an archetypal passage grave was built over the top of the centre of the henge. A carved stone with a twisting, serpentine design stood in the burial chamber. It has since been moved to the National Museum of Wales and replaced with a replica standing outside. An earth barrow covering the grave is a twentieth century restoration; the original was probably much bigger.

Read more at Wikipedia, The Northern Antiquarian page for Bryn Celli Ddu, Llandaniel Fab, Anglesey, and Cadw.

Try a 3D model of the patterned stone from Bryn Celli Ddu, also news on their summer 2018 dig and landscape project which is looking for volunteers. More details in the comments on our page.

Note: ENTER OUR SUMMER SOLSTICE PHOTO COMPETITION. More details here. Some Images from the summer solstice concert by Gwenno on top of Bryn Celli Ddu, Saturday 18th June
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Bryn Celli Ddu - Passage Grave in Wales in Anglesey (Sir Ynys Mon)
Bryn Celli Ddu - Passage Grave in Wales in Anglesey (Sir Ynys Mon) submitted by nicoladidsbury : * A * Best Springtime photo with a Megalithic or Prehistoric subject Bryn Celli Ddu - complete with new born lambs and snow on Snowdonia Mountains..... (5 comments - Vote or comment on this photo)

Bryn Celli Ddu
Bryn Celli Ddu submitted by LivingRocks : Sunlight illuminates the chamber on a January afternoon; the shelf on the right of the passage is clearly visible. (6 comments - Vote or comment on this photo)

Bryn Celli Ddu
Bryn Celli Ddu submitted by guile : Sunrise at Bryn Celli Ddu 20th. June 2012, looking towards the entrance. (Vote or comment on this photo)

Bryn Celli Ddu
Bryn Celli Ddu submitted by ericgrindle : The Site is clearly signposted and only a short walk from the road. It is considered to be one of the finest passage tombs in Wales, The series of photographs will show the entrance, the main passage and chamber. The access to the main chamber being via a tunnel, the sides of which consist of large vertical slabs topped by substantial stone lintels. Eric. Image copyright: Eric Grindle (Eric ... (Vote or comment on this photo)

Bryn Celli Ddu
Bryn Celli Ddu submitted by Jimwithnoname : Such a peaceful site. I almost fell asleep in the mid day sun. Not good being ginger.. hehe (Vote or comment on this photo)

Bryn Celli Ddu
Bryn Celli Ddu submitted by TimPrevett : A panoramic shot of Bryn Celli Ddu, looking into the entrance portal. John and Dave departing through the gate. A very special location, and well worth a visit. (4 comments)

Bryn Celli Ddu
Bryn Celli Ddu submitted by Thingy : Bryn Celli Ddu, looking south east. The entrance is on the left side of the mound, with the decorated stone on the right.

Bryn Celli Ddu
Bryn Celli Ddu submitted by Thingy : Bryn Celli Ddu's chamber and passage with the free-standing pillar. The white and black horizontal lines at the top of the picture are a concrete roof support and its shadow, respectively.

Bryn Celli Ddu
Bryn Celli Ddu submitted by AngieLake : From PreRomanBritain by Stanley Thomas, 1965, Studio Vista, London. This pic shows the entrance with a line of small stones outlining the position of the ox burial. (See diagram on site page of a ritual labyrinth movement dowsed around this rectangular site.)

Bryn Celli Ddu
Bryn Celli Ddu submitted by enkidu41 : SH 508702 The celibrated passage grave. The passage was 27' long of which only 16' was roofed. The chamber has a fre-standing pillar. carved with spirals. Alas, these are so poorly executed as to make them likely to be relatively modern graffiti.

Bryn Celli Ddu
Bryn Celli Ddu submitted by PaulM : Bryn Celli Ddu, Ynys Mon (SH508702) The islands’ most famous passage tomb which was built on top of a circle-henge – view inside. (4 comments)

Bryn Celli Ddu
Bryn Celli Ddu submitted by Antonine : Re-visited Summer 2021

Bryn Celli Ddu
Bryn Celli Ddu submitted by guile : Bryn Celli Ddu June 20th. 2012, the sun shining on the back wall, the sun never shines on the upright pillar.

Bryn Celli Ddu
Bryn Celli Ddu submitted by cerrig : Dawn, midsummers day. (3 comments)

Bryn Celli Ddu
Bryn Celli Ddu submitted by Thingy : Bryn Celli Ddu looking toward the chamber entrance

Bryn Celli Ddu
Bryn Celli Ddu submitted by Thingy : The pillar inside Bryn Celli Ddu's chamber. It is tucked away in one corner, suggesting to me that it was a 'participant' in any ritual that took place here, rather than being the focus of that ritual. It could also be lying in ambush for any unwelcome intruders entering along the passage, as Aubrey Burl suggests this stone is "akin to others in Brittany believed to be embodiments of a female guar...

Bryn Celli Ddu
Bryn Celli Ddu submitted by Antonine : Re-visited Summer 2021

Bryn Celli Ddu
Bryn Celli Ddu submitted by Andy B : Midsummer sunrise 2013. Image Credit: Matt Jones More photos from the day on Facebook.

Bryn Celli Ddu
Bryn Celli Ddu submitted by Bladup : Bryn Celli Ddu.

Bryn Celli Ddu
Bryn Celli Ddu submitted by Thingy : Looking down Bryn Celli Ddu's passage to the burial chamber beyond. Daylight inside the chamber is coming from a gap in the rear wall. This is possible following partial reconstruction of the mound and is unlikely to have been possible with the original design.

Bryn Celli Ddu
Bryn Celli Ddu submitted by Thingy : There is a suggestion that the pillar inside Bryn Celli Ddu's chamber is a fossilised tree. It certainly has that appearance and, if so, horizontal 'cuts' might be axe marks. (12 comments)

Bryn Celli Ddu
Bryn Celli Ddu submitted by TimPrevett : A wide composite shot of Bryn Celli Ddu, with Eileen & Dave, facing, and John, walking the internal perimeter of the henge.

Bryn Celli Ddu
Bryn Celli Ddu submitted by Humbucker : The replica carved standing stone at the rear entrance to Bryn Celli Ddu.

Bryn Celli Ddu
Bryn Celli Ddu submitted by Antonine : Re-visited Summer 2021

Bryn Celli Ddu
Bryn Celli Ddu submitted by Horatio : What a site, highlight so far of my N Wales holiday and the weather even played ball. It tested my patience waiting for an American family that just sat on the top doing nothing (apart from the kids keep rolling down the sides) for absolute ages, they just sat on top looking at me ....all the time I'm looking at the clouds and the light, getting fidgety with my camera in my hand, wishing them to...

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 58m SSW 209° Bryn Celli Ddu Cairn* Cairn (SH50727012)
 139m WSW 238° Bryn Celli Ddu Standing Stone* Standing Stone (Menhir) (SH50637010)
 147m WNW 297° Bryn Celli Ddu Gorsedd* Rock Art (SH50627024)
 464m WNW 290° Tyddyn-bach* Standing Stone (Menhir) (SH5031770341)
 1.3km ESE 108° Plas Newydd Burial Chamber* Chambered Tomb (SH5199069722)
 1.6km SE 134° Bryn yr Hen Bobl* Chambered Cairn (SH5188869005)
 3.5km SSW 199° Maen Morddwyd Early Christian Sculptured Stone (SH495669)
 3.7km NE 56° Ty Mawr Tomb* Passage Grave (SH5388672144)
 3.7km SSW 210° Brynsiencyn* Round Barrow(s) (SH488670)
 3.9km ESE 117° Cader Elwa* Standing Stone (Menhir) (SH542683)
 3.9km SW 231° Ty Mawr 1 (Trefwri)* Standing Stone (Menhir) (SH4761567794)
 4.0km SW 233° Ty Mawr 2* Standing Stone (Menhir) (SH4743667830)
 4.3km WSW 236° Pont Sarn Las Ancient Village or Settlement (SH471679)
 4.4km SW 230° Caer Leb* Ancient Village or Settlement (SH47286747)
 4.4km SW 217° Perthiduon* Chambered Tomb (SH4798066758)
 4.6km N 10° St Gredifael's Holy Well (Penmynydd) Holy Well or Sacred Spring (SH51677465)
 4.8km E 91° Goetre Uchaf Barrow* Round Barrow(s) (SH5556069900)
 4.9km SW 232° Tre'r Dryw Bach W Stone Circle (SH468673)
 4.9km WSW 244° Bodowyr* Passage Grave (SH46276816)
 4.9km NNW 330° Hirdre-faig* Standing Stone (Menhir) (SH484745)
 4.9km ENE 72° Menai Bridge Gorsedd Circle* Modern Stone Circle etc (SH55517153)
 5.2km SW 232° Castell Bryn-Gwyn* Henge (SH4652867061)
 5.5km SW 232° Bryn Gwyn Stones* Stone Circle (SH4623566927)
 6.0km NE 49° Ty-Gwyn* Standing Stone (Menhir) (SH5536273949)
 6.1km WSW 240° Maesoglan 3* Standing Stone (Menhir) (SH454673)
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"Bryn Celli Ddu" | Login/Create an Account | 58 News and Comments
  
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Bryn Celli Ddu Virtual Tour from CADW by Andy B on Tuesday, 08 November 2022
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Virtual Tour from CADW here (down the page a bit)

https://cadw.gov.wales/visit/whats-on/virtual-visits/virtual-visits-neolithic-tombs
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Re: Bryn Celli Ddu by Pryderi on Thursday, 23 June 2022
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I'm not sure I am happy with the 'New Age' usage of this site as represented: can they be trusted not to trash it? However, whenever I see images of the site, I cannot help but see a vaginal entrance to a womb and given that 'womb' and 'tomb' share a common etymological source, the idea of birth, death, and re-birth appears to apply in this and indeed other similar burial structures. Mike Field.
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    Re: Bryn Celli Ddu by AngieLake on Thursday, 23 June 2022
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    I agree with you and the earlier post here, it seems very disrespectful of a special site.
    Like you, I've always thought this tomb (particularly) reminds me of a vaginal entrance - symbolising fertility, birth, and hopeful re-birth for the human remains interred here. Then there's the phallic stone in the chamber.

    Trefignath is another with very similar portal stones at the entrance: https://www.megalithic.co.uk/modules.php?op=modload&name=a312&file=index&do=showpic&pid=156054
    In the past I remarked on their similarity, of the type of stone used, with very wavy patterns, something the ancients would have thought significant and special, perhaps.
    As both are on Anglesey, maybe it was an extension of the same tribe of settlers who constructed them?
    [ Reply to This ]

Re: Bryn Celli Ddu by Suzipam1 on Wednesday, 22 June 2022
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This is very disrespectful. This site is sacred burial ground. Please don’t have concerts on it and have lights all over. Also leaving items that will not degrade is very wrong - respect, look and leave nothing except foot prints please
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    Re: Bryn Celli Ddu by Llacheu on Sunday, 14 August 2022
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    I completely agree about not leaving items, such an unthoughtful thing to do.

    I disagree with you on concerts and lights, and think its good in this case. CADW were involved and I strongly suspect they wouldn't leave anything behind or damage the monument. There is a debate to be had about modern usage of monuments and I wonder if we ('modern' people) actually now have a right to reuse them? Nobody owns these sites anymore (except us through CADW), and historically they would've been reused by communities who had in some cases no continuity with each other. I'm thinking of my local site - neolithic and then reused by a Bronze Age community a thousand years later! So perhaps artistic/cultural reuse (even for a concert) can be justified.

    But I get where you're coming from. We must protect all of these sites as they are still enjoyed and appreciated.
    [ Reply to This ]

Re: Bryn Celli Ddu by Antonine on Tuesday, 05 October 2021
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https://youtu.be/muXFIPoKKb4
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    Re: Bryn Celli Ddu by Runemage on Tuesday, 05 October 2021
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    Thanks Antoine, that's a nice video.

    I was concerned about the amount of 'stuff' left in there, can I just remind everyone who doesn't already know about leaving "offerings" at ancient places. Non-biodegradable items are just not on, they can cause damage, like the coins inserted between the stones. Bio-degradable items need to be very small and ideally not left within a site. What's meaningful to one person is litter to another.
    Here's our Charter, https://www.megalithic.co.uk/sections.php?op=viewarticle&artid=9
    Always remember, leave nothing but your footprints and take nothing but your memories :-)
    [ Reply to This ]

Public Archaeology at Bryn Celli Ddu: Sharing Prehistory by Andy B on Monday, 25 November 2019
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Public Archaeology at Bryn Celli Ddu: Sharing Prehistory - Sanaa Hijazi, Courtney Mainprize, Maranda Wareham, Sian Bramble, Ben Edwards & Seren Griffiths

More details here
https://www.megalithic.co.uk/modules.php?op=modload&name=Forum&file=viewtopic&topic=8179&forum=1

In Public Archaeology - Arts of Engagement, the whole book is a free download

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Re: Bryn Celli Ddu by Anonymous on Friday, 21 June 2019
I thought I would write to let you know that I recently deciphered this monument. It has ties to Giza and also to more modern architecture in New York. It is certainly not a burial mound or passage tomb. Sorry, but I shall not be disclosing the full details just yet as it is part of an enormously larger project.
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Bryn Celli Ddu Excavations and Open Day 2019 - Full Programme by Andy B on Tuesday, 11 June 2019
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Hidden in the soil: Digging reveals new insights of long-lost site in Bryn Celli Ddu
landscape

Archaeologists return to uncover a prehistoric ritual landscape that includes a Bronze Age cairn, potentially larger than its famous neighbour Bryn Celli Ddu, a 5,000-year-old passage tomb aligned with the summer solstice sunrise on Anglesey.

The famous Welsh passage tomb might not be as recognisable as Stonehenge, but it
possesses a similar alignment where the stones line up with the sun on the longest day of summer. By building the long passage at Bryn Celli Ddu, the sun can creep along it into the far reaches of the inner chamber, an atmospheric moment that many never forget. Excavation now suggests that the site had significance for prehistoric people that lasted for millennia after the earth mound was raised over a stone passage chamber.

The monument has an evocative Welsh name, which translates as ‘The Mound in the Dark Grove’ and was first excavated in 1865 and then completely reconstructed in the 1920s, but excavations over the last five summers – with members of the public joining archaeologists – have uncovered a rich landscape of archaeological remains, covering more than 5,000 years of human activity. The work has uncovered 12 examples of rock art carvings, all in the landscape around Bryn Celli Ddu, along with a pit filled with pottery and worked stone tools.

Excavations this year continue to uncover evidence of a long-lost prehistoric burial cairn just metres away from Bryn Celli Ddu, as archaeologists peel back the layers to reveal the monument. Radiocarbon dating has given a date of 1,900 BC, with finds of flint tools and a double kerb of large stones, some of them weighing over a tonne each.

Artists are also taking part and responding to Bryn Celli Ddu in new ways. John Abell, a Welsh prizewinning printmaker and artist, is working to create new woodcut prints. Abell’s distinctive motifs, intertwining fact with folk memory has a persuasive sense of storytelling, bringing the past and present alive using a beguiling visual language.

The project is keen to offer those with an interest in history the opportunity to learn more about the archaeology of the island and have arranged a series of events to coincide with the project. The dig runs from 8 June to 7 July.

The Bryn Celli Ddu landscape project is led by the Welsh Government’s historic environment service, Cadw, University of Central Lancashire and Manchester Met University, along with members of the local community and archaeology students.

Events Listing

At Bryn Celli Ddu
21 June, 11.00pm at Bryn Celli Ddu
Bryn Celli Ddu, Llanddaniel Fab, LL61 6EQ

Stargazing at Bryn Celli Ddu
Tickets available from Eventbrite
£10 a ticket. To book: http://tiny.cc/idfh7y

22 June, 11am – 4pm at Bryn Celli Ddu
Bryn Celli Ddu, Llanddaniel Fab, LL61 6EQ
Open Day at Bryn Celli Ddu, with onsite tours of excavation and prehistoric living history
Free entry, all welcome

At Oriel Môn museum and gallery
21 June, 6.30pm at Oriel Môn
Oriel Môn, Llangefni, Anglesey, LL77 7TQ
Public lecture by Professor Mike Parker Pearson: Stonehenge and Wales
Free, tickets available from Oriel Môn on 01248 724444

22 June, 11am – 4pm at Oriel Môn
Oriel Môn, Llangefni, Anglesey, LL77 7TQ
Open Day at Oriel Môn with displays and activities
Free entry, all welcome

On until the 23 June at Oriel Môn
Oriel Môn, Llangefni, Anglesey, LL77 7TQ
Archaeological Discoveries Exhibition
Free entry, all welcome
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Bryn Celli Ddu Open Day Sat 16th June 2018 by Andy B on Friday, 08 June 2018
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A celebration of the Neolithic period on Anglesey.

Live flint knapping demonstrations. Meet Neolithic characters [?! MegP Ed], and have a go at making a beautiful Neolithic pot just like the ones found at the tomb. Living history, tours, talks and child-friendly activities.

Find out more about our current excavations in the landscape around Bryn Celli Ddu, with live tours of our open trenches. Enjoy a full day of hands-on activities, exhibits, archaeology and information stands. Learn about what our ancestors wore, what they ate, and how they lived.

Date: 16 Jun 2018
Time: 11.00am - 4.00pm
Free Event

http://cadw.gov.wales/events/allevents/bryn-celli-ddu-archaeology-open-day-16-june-2018/?lang=en
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3D model of the Bryn Celli Ddu pattern stone by Andy B on Thursday, 26 April 2018
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Ffion Reynolds writes: As part of the Bryn Celli Ddu landscape project, we have been surveying Bryn Celli Ddu itself along with it’s surrounding landscape.

Bryn Celli Ddu is a late Neolithic passage tomb, excavated in 1929, and now partially reconstructed. It is one of the most important prehistoric monuments in northwest Europe, and attracts c.10 000 visitors annually. The Bryn Celli Ddu project has recently won an Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) grant and is a collaboration between Cadw, the University of Central Lancashire, Manchester Metropolitan University, and Aberystwyth University, and will explore new ways to engage with ancient prehistory at the monument, using digital archaeology techniques, 3D modelling, photogrammetry and laser scanning.

We’ve been creating a suite of 3D models as part of the project, including creating a new model of the Bryn Celli Ddu pattern stone, which is now located at St Fagans: National History Museum in Cardiff.

BCD-PS-D800-untxt by aerial-cam on Sketchfab



For viewing the 3D model use a mouse with a wheel to zoom, left click and hold to rotate and right click to move. Try rotating the model in full screen mode and switch rendering option to Matcap or wireframe (bottom right). A good Internet connection is required along with a compatible Browser.

More at
https://bryncellidduarchaeology.wordpress.com/2018/04/13/3d-model-of-the-bryn-celli-ddu-pattern-stone/
and
https://sketchfab.com/models/c2c879d34dad429895558a45f66e42c1?ref=related

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Bryn Celli Ddu landscape project, 11th June to the 7th of July 2018 by Andy B on Wednesday, 21 February 2018
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Ffion Reynolds writes: We are returning to the Bryn Celli Ddu landscape for our fourth year of excavation between the 11 June to the 7 of July 2018. Do you live on Anglesey or in northwest Wales? We are seeking local volunteers to join our team. It’s free to take part, so we hope you’ll sign up.

The project focuses on the landscape surrounding Wales’ famous Neolithic passage tomb. During the last three years we have built up a picture that includes a Late Neolithic / Bronze Age cairn, a enigmatic Neolithic pit circle, along with several rock art panels situated close by, making a case for a complex multi-period landscape. We return to continue to work in the vicinity, looking further at a possible Neolithic causewayed enclosure in the same area.

During the excavation, the team have opened a 10m × 10m trench over the north-east quarter of a circular Neolithic/early Bronze Age cairn lying some 30m south-west of the main Neolithic passage tomb. We recorded the cairn in plan, recovered samples for radiocarbon dating, and re-excavated previous interventions in order to determine the construction sequence.

The excavation revealed a circular stone cairn with two concentric stone kerbs. Large stones of conglomerate, blueschist, and quartzite had been used for the kerbing and cairn. Among the finds were pieces of worked flint, charred plant remains, and occasional fragments of burnt bone.

Further afield and on rising ground within sight of Bryn Celli Ddu, with views of prominent landmarks such as the Snowdonia mountain range, we have discovered eleven unrecorded rock art outcrops.

The proximity of these monuments to Bryn Celli Ddu emphasises the complexity of this landscape, about which we still know very little.

To get involved and be part of the excavation team, please contact Dr Ffion Reynolds on CadwPublicProgrammes@gov.wales to sign up!

More at
https://bryncellidduarchaeology.wordpress.com/2018/02/20/new-season-dates-announced-for-the-bryn-celli-ddu-landscape-project-2/
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Talk, 16th Nov, Bangor: Discovering the multi-period landscape of Bryn Celli Ddu - by Andy B on Monday, 30 October 2017
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Location: Teras Room 3, Main Arts Building, Bangor University
Thursday 16 November 2017, 17:30–18:30

Presenter: Dr Karen Pollock
'Discovering the multi-period landscape of Bryn Celli Ddu'

With Dr Seren Griffiths - University of Central Lancashire, Dr Ffion Reynolds‏ and others

More:
https://www.bangor.ac.uk/news/events/-discovering-the-multi-period-landscape-of-bryn-celli-ddu-34293
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The blueschist stone pillar inside Bryn Celli Ddu by Andy B on Monday, 30 October 2017
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Ffion Reynolds writes: (February 5, 2017) Bryn Celli Ddu – the Mound in the Dark Grove – is probably the best-known and best-preserved prehistoric monument on Anglesey, and is one of the most evocative archaeological sites in Britain. The monument was built in the later Neolithic around 5,000 years ago, and consists of a long passage that leads to a polygonal stone chamber, and covered by an earthen mound.

A pillar of stone stands at the centre of this monument, which has been the subject of debate for the last decade or so. This post argues that it is made from blueschist, a metamorphic rock for which Anglesey is internationally famous.

The blueschists of Anglesey are some of the oldest known in the world, and geologists flock to see them as they are some of the most accessible and remarkable blueschists in the world.

The only way that rocks can be metamorphosed to blueschist, is to be quickly be shoved down to those extreme depths in the earth and then rapidly brought back up before the rocks have time to heat up completely. That’s exactly what happens where two tectonic plates are colliding. It is this exceptional occurrence which can be seen clearly across the landscape of Bryn Celli Ddu, on Anglesey.

The blueschist that we see at Bryn Celli Ddu is part of this amazing geological belt. It’s incredible to think that Bryn Celli Ddu, along with a series of prehistoric monuments, including a Bronze Age cairn and 8 cupmarked rock art outcrops, were all built on this rare blueschist belt.

The question is, did Bryn Celli Ddu get built from blueschist?

To identify a rock as blueschist, geologists look for certain qualities in the rock:

Blueschist, as its name suggests has a blueish tinge.
* It is also called glaucophane schist with the name coming from the presence of the predominant minerals glaucophane and lawsonite in the rock.
* The structure of the rock can appear folded.
* The layers in schist can become intensely contorted even on a small scale.
* All these characteristics can be found on the Bryn Celli Ddu stone pillar. It is a very unusual rock, cylindrical in its form, which appears folded and intensely contorted. But more than that, the whole of the Bryn Celli Ddu monument is made from several blueschist rocks.

More, with map at
https://tinkinswoodarchaeology.wordpress.com/2017/02/05/the-blueschist-stone-pillar-inside-bryn-celli-ddu/
New Link for Blueschist Pillar https://bryncellidduarchaeology.wordpress.com/2017/02/05/the-blueschist-stone-pillar-inside-bryn-celli-ddu/

and lots more on the new blog https://bryncellidduarchaeology.wordpress.com/
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Re: Bryn Celli Ddu by tjhavenith on Thursday, 24 August 2017
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I enjoyed this video of the 3D model of Bryn Celli Ddu:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/video/sciencetech/video-1488571/Bringing-past-life-3D-model-prehistoric-burial-mound.html
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The Colour Out of Space - colour use in the monuments of Neolithic Atlantic Europe by Andy B on Sunday, 02 July 2017
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The Colour Out of Space: Early research into colour use in the monuments of Neolithic Atlantic Europe

Penelope Foreman writes: Colour is redolent with meaning and significance, conscious and unconscious; the psychology of this significance is complex and touches on language acquisition, the cognition of the world around us, and the development of symbolism and ideology. There is a significant colour triad - red, white, and black – running through the archaeological record, like a folk tale passed through generations.

Evidence of these colours can be seen in a variety of Neolithic monuments, from Portugal to Orkney to Brittany to Germany. Why were these colours important? What did they represent?

Though this study is, by its very nature, limited, it does reveal some interesting insights that prove curious in isolation, and will be significant if they prove to be more widespread.

The chamber is a space of contrast. Two stones, almost black, face each other across the chamber, whilst a bright and quartz-rich rock shines and sparkles with its reflected light. Pale grey stones with contrasting textures rise from the deep red soil and stand between these other stones, and a pale pillar stands in silent watchfulness in the chamber corner.

It seems from the position of pale capstones and orthostats in the main chamber and upper passage that it could be seen as following the passage of light from the world of the living to that of the dead. With the passage infilled and only a slight gap left for the midsummer sun, it is these stones that would have been touched by the light on its journey to the chamber on that one significant day. In sections not touched by this light, the focus instead seems upon the idea of contrast, with the passage being a patchwork of alternating colours and textures. The meaning behind this contrast is more obscure, but may relate to signifying the contrast between life and death.

If colour and light are related in this way, then further examples should be seen in future monument surveys across Atlantic Europe. The underlying theme of contrast may also yield significant findings should it be evidenced in other sites.

More at
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/313268126_Preliminary_Findings_-_Bryn_Celli_Ddu

and Penelope's blog is at http://suspiciousmounds.wordpress.com
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Archaeologists unearth prehistoric ritual area around Bryn Celli Ddu by Andy B on Wednesday, 21 June 2017
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[I think we've covered this already - see the nearby sites that are being excavated]

Previously unknown Anglesey landscape possibly includes cairn cemetery in what experts described as ‘really exciting stuff’

Archaeologists have uncovered a prehistoric ritual landscape that possibly includes a cairn cemetery around a 5,000-year-old burial mound aligned with the summer solstice sun on Anglesey.

The work has uncovered 10 examples of rock art carvings, all within sight of the mound, and in the last fortnight pits with pottery deposits and worked flint tools have been found.

Excavations last year uncovered evidence of a prehistoric burial cairn that had almost vanished above ground, and surveys this year with ground-penetrating radar suggest it was part of a whole cemetery of such burials, positioned on the ridge behind and surrounding the older grave.

More
https://www.theguardian.com/science/2017/jun/21/archeologists-unearth-prehistoric-ritual-area-bryn-celli-ddu-anglesey
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Death of Death, Death of Time – Reviewing the New Bryn Celli Ddu by Andy B on Tuesday, 02 May 2017
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Prof Howard M R Williams' commentary on the site’s new signage.

I love the designs, and the new images on the signs are striking and evocative. The efforts to encourage visitors to also explore other ancient monuments on Anglesey are to be commended. Likewise, the emphasis on following-up with further information available online is great too. Furthermore, much remains the same about the experience of visiting the site, and the changes are not distracting to the visitor experience of the monument itself in any fundamental regard. Still, I left feeling that the visitor experience has been impoverished, rather than enhance, by the new signs.

More at
https://howardwilliamsblog.wordpress.com/2017/03/23/death-of-death-the-death-of-time/

See also: a megalithic ‘information hub’.
https://howardwilliamsblog.wordpress.com/2017/02/19/a-mystery-carpark-megalith-solved-bryn-celli-ddu/
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New season dates 11-24 June @ Bryn Celli Ddu landscape project by Andy B on Friday, 24 March 2017
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Ffion Reynolds writes: We are happy to say that we are returning to Bryn Celli Ddu for our third year of excavation between the 11th and 24th of June! It’s free to take part, so we hope you’ll sign up.

The project focuses on the landscape surrounding Wales’ famous Neolithic passage tomb. During the last two years we have built up a picture that includes a Late Neolithic / Bronze Age cairn, along with several rock art panels situated close by, making a case for a complex multi-period landscape. We return to continue to work in the vicinity, looking further at a possible Neolithic causewayed enclosure and ring-ditch in the same area.

Could you be one of our volunteers? Join the team & work in the stunning landscape of Bryn Celli Ddu this summer:
https://tinkinswoodarchaeology.wordpress.com/2017/03/23/new-season-dates-announced-for-the-bryn-celli-ddu-landscape-project-2/
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Bryn Celli Ddu Project Laser scan results by Andy B on Thursday, 08 December 2016
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Ffion Reynolds writes: As part of our Bryn Celli Ddu project on Anglesey, we are creating an animated fly-through of the passage tomb and surrounding landscape.

One of our aims is to create a digital record of the Bryn Celli Ddu passage tomb, and during the 2015 season we completed a laser scan of the monument.

Here are the results!

https://tinkinswoodarchaeology.wordpress.com/2016/12/03/prehistoric-laser-scan-bryn-celli-ddu/

https://vimeo.com/193908804
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Bryn Celli Ddu landscape project update 2016, excavations and rock art discovery by Andy B on Friday, 17 June 2016
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Ffion Reynolds writes: We have returned to the Bryn Celli Ddu landscape again this year, working in the field next door to the main monument looking for the remains of a Late Neolithic/early Bronze Age cairn which was originally excavated as part of the investigations made by W. J. Hemp in the late 1920s. At the same time R. S. Newall excavated the remains of of the cairn we are working on this year. We are here looking for the trenches made during this excavation, and to learn more about what lies beneath the soil.

The cairn measures around 25 meters diameter according to our measurements, and as we opened the trench the remains of a stoney layer were uncovered literally as we took away the turf, around 10cm under the surface. As the first layers were removed, we were surprised to find a beautiful worked flint.

As part of the project we have also been looking for new rock art outcrops along the ridge above Bryn Celli Ddu, and today we have been lucky enough to find another one with clusters of cupmarks, at least 25 without even cleaning the stone back, perhaps the outcrop will reveal even more.

Read more here
https://tinkinswoodarchaeology.wordpress.com/2016/06/15/bryn-celli-ddu-landscape-project-update-2016/

With thanks to Guile for the link
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Summer Solstice at Bryn Celli Ddu by Andy B on Friday, 17 June 2016
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CADW write: Join us at Bryn Celli Ddu passage tomb for a celebration of the Summer Solstice on the 18 June 2016

What technologies did people use in the Neolithic period and how did art begin? You will find out how archaeologists interpret this important site in the 21st century, and explore the new excavations which have been taking place at a nearby Neolithic rock art outcrop, walking distance from the main passage tomb.

Take a tour of the monument and excavation, meet archaeologists in action and help us make a 3D model of Bryn Celli Ddu; learn about the passage tomb by joining in our exciting new workshops, or just relax and enjoy the atmosphere!

Activities at Bryn Celli Ddu will include:

Neolithic food demonstration
Rock art workshops
Flint knapping demonstration
Neolithic pottery demos and workshops
Dress up as a tomb builder
Bone flute making demonstration
Site tours of the aite and archaeological excavation by an expert
Living history displays
Help create a 3D model of Bryn Celli Ddu
Meet the Guerilla Archaeologists!

There will also be an Archaeology Finds Roadshow - so bring your own artefacts for identification!

This project is a partnership between Cadw, Manchester Metropolitan University and Cardiff University's Guerilla Archaeology.

Date:18 Jun 2016
Times:11.00am - 4.00pm

More at
http://cadw.gov.wales/events/allevents/bryn-celli-ddu-burial-chamber-18-june-2016/?lang=en
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Previously unrecorded rock art at Bryn Celli Ddu by Andy B on Monday, 18 April 2016
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A public archaeology project focusing on one of Wales’ most famous Neolithic passage tombs has found that the monument lies amongst a wealth of previously unrecorded rock art. Ffion Reynolds, Seren Griffiths, Ben Edwards, and Adam Stanford describe their discoveries
https://www.academia.edu/24486285/Bryn_Celli_Ddu_Public_Archaeology_Project_Current_Archaeology
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Bryn Celli Ddu comic by Andy B on Friday, 14 August 2015
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Cadw have created a range of comics to tell the tales of three of Anglesey’s most fascinating sites, Bryn Celli Ddu, Barclodiad y Gawres and Llyn Cerrig Bach.

http://cadw.gov.wales/fun/cadw-comics/?lang=en

http://cadw.gov.wales/docs/cadw/publications/fun/150731bryncellidducomic-en.pdf (PDF)
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First week at the Bryn Celli Ddu rock art outcrop excavation by Andy B on Tuesday, 16 June 2015
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Ffion Reynolds writes: The first week at the outcrop consisted of clearing and making visible the rock art on the great stone outcrop next to the Bryn Celli Ddu passage tomb. The outcrop is located north-west of the main passsage tomb, about 140 meters away.

It has been previously suggested that about 28 cup marks are located here, so we set about trying to uncover them all and record them. We made a laser scan of the outcrop, with the results to follow. It was actually quite difficult to see them all with the naked eye, so the laser scan will help identify them for certain, measure them and see if any patterns of depth and shape exist.

We also opened a trench below the outcrop in order to see whether we could find any evidence for more cupmarks or any working platforms below it, looking for any Neolithic activity that may relate to the working of the outcrop by the people living in this landscape around 5,000 years ago.

More at
https://tinkinswoodarchaeology.wordpress.com/2015/06/14/first-week-at-the-bryn-celli-ddu-rock-art-outcrop-excavation/
and
https://tinkinswoodarchaeology.wordpress.com/
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Bryn Celli Ddu Archaeology Open Day, 20th June 2015 by Andy B on Tuesday, 16 June 2015
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A celebration of the Summer Solstice on the 20th June 2015 at Bryn Celli Ddu passage tomb

What technologies did people use in the Neolithic period and how did art begin? You will find out how archaeologists interpret this important site in the 21st century, and explore the new excavations which have been taking place at a nearby Neolithic rock art outcrop, walking distance from the main passage tomb.

Take a tour of the monument and excavation, meet archaeologists in action and help us make a 3D model of Bryn Celli Ddu; learn about the passage tomb by joining in our exciting new workshops, or just relax and enjoy the atmosphere!

Activities at Bryn Celli Ddu will include:

Neolithic food demonstration
Rock art workshops
Flint knapping demonstration
Neolithic pottery demos and workshops
Dress up as a tomb builder
Bone flute making demonstration
Site tours of the aite and archaeological excavation by an expert
Living history displays
Help create a 3D model of Bryn Celli Ddu
Meet the Guerilla Archaeologists!

There will also be an Archaeology Finds Roadshow - so bring your own artefacts for identification!

More at
http://cadw.gov.wales/events/allevents/bryn-celli-ddu-burial-chamber-20-june-2015/?month=May%202025&lang=en
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3D Rock Art modelling and Open Day, 26th July 2014 by Andy B on Monday, 02 June 2014
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Come and help record the rock art at Bryn Celli Ddu passage tomb, as part of a new digital community archaeology project called Heritage Together, to produce 3D models of prehistoric sites in Wales.

Sign up for one of the timed tours of the site (in Welsh or English) wtih Rhys Mwyn, which will take place on the hour, and listen to an introduction to aerial photography, and photogrammetry.

Tours are on the hour from 11.00am.

Guided tour by professional NWTGA guide.

This event is organised by Cadw and HeritageTogether.

Dates
26 Jul 2014

Times
11.00am - 4.00pm

Price: Free

http://cadw.wales.gov.uk/events/allevents/open-day-bryn-celli-ddu-26-july-2014/?lang=en
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Anglesey Summer Solstice events, weekend of 21-22 June 2014 by Andy B on Thursday, 20 March 2014
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Getting this one in early!
A celebration of the Neolithic period on Anglesey

CADW write: Join us at two spectacular Neolithic sites - Bryn Celli Ddu and Barclodiad-y-Gawres passage tombs - for a celebration of the Summer Solstice during the weekend of 21-22 June 2014.

1. Celebrating the Neolithic at Bryn-Celli-Ddu
2. The Story of the Rocks: New perspectives at Barclodiad-y-Gawres

Experience a dawn celebration at Bryn Celli Ddu, and then explore the art installations, workshops, talks, tours and have a go hands-on activities.

What technologies did people use in the Neolithic period and how did art begin? You will find out how archaeologists and artists interpret these important sites in the 21st century too - help us make a 3D model of Bryn Celli Ddu, and learn about cutting edge archaeology recording techniques, and experience these passage tombs through exciting new art installations and performances at Barclodiad-y-Gawres.

1. Celebrating the Neolithic at Bryn-Celli-Ddu

Activities at Bryn Celli Ddu will include:

Neolithic food demonstration
Rock art workshops
Flint knapping demonstration
Make your own Neolithic pot to take home
Dress up as a tomb builder
Bone flute making demonstration
Site tours and talks
Living history displays
Help create a 3D model of Bryn Celli Ddu
Meet the Guerilla Archaeologists!

There will also be an Archaeology Finds Roadshow - so bring your own artefacts for identification!

2. The Story of the Rocks at Barclodiad-y-Gawres

A collaborative project between Cadw and the artists Awst & Walther, supported by the Arts Council of Wales.

Welsh-German artist duo Awst & Walther have developed an artwork at Barclodiad-y-Gawres that explores contemporary ideas of 'site' and 'place'. Following their investigations at the ancient circular mound they will offer new modes of understanding and experiencing this environment in the 21st century.

The artwork and performance will be open to the public on the 21-22 June, and there will also be a chance to speak to the artists.

The Artists:

Manon Awst grew up on Anglesey and studied Architecture at the University of Cambridge. She is currently a PhD candidate at the Royal College of Art, London.

German-born Benjamin Walther studied Art History and Philosophy at the Humboldt University, Berlin and has directed in Theatres across Europe.

More at
http://cadw.wales.gov.uk/events/allevents/horizons-old-and-new-barclodiad-y-gawres-21-and-22-june-2014/?lang=en
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Flintknapping demonstration at Bryn Celli Ddu, 22nd June by Andy B on Tuesday, 16 April 2013
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James Dilley writes: I have a flintknapping there in the summer! At Bryn Celli Ddu burial chamber, 22nd June

http://twitter.com/ancientcraftUK
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Re: Bryn Celli Ddu - The Welsh Stonehenge? by AngieLake on Monday, 13 August 2012
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From the Columbo Telegraph and writer Dr Malcolm Smith:
http://www.colombotelegraph.com/index.php/the-welsh-stonehenge/

Some excerpts taken from above article:

"An enigmatic and well preserved Stone Age burial chamber in Wales may be more closely associated with Stonehenge than anyone previously realised"

"It might not seem to have anything in common with southern England’s famous and much larger prehistoric monument, but recent research suggests that it might have provided part of the inspiration"

"But this established interpretation of a henge later converted to a burial chamber, and adopted as the definitive explanation of what went on at Bryn Celli Ddu, has been turned upside down by recent research carried out by Dr Steve Burrow, Curator of Neolithic Archaeology at The National Museum and Galleries Wales."

"He’s concluded that the evidence points to the whole structure being built all in one go around 3,000BC and that there was no original henge followed later by its “conversion” to a burial chamber. Burrow suggests that the standing stones in a circle could have been a ritual boundary on the outside of the burial chamber."

"But Steve Burrow has made another amazing discovery at Bryn Celli Ddu. He knew that Norman Lockyer, a scientist who researched the site, had argued in 1906 that Bryn Celli Ddu marked the summer solstice (Midsummer Day, the longest in a year). He was ridiculed by Welsh archaeologists at the time but Burrow decided to test out the idea."

“There was no need for me to stay all night – although I know people who say they have – dawn is a pretty well-timetabled event, so I just checked a newspaper and turned up an hour before the sun was due. It’s stunning”, he says. “First there is a sparkle through the trees, then the sun rises up and it’s exhilarating. The rays come into the chamber and light up a quartz-rich stone at the back of the tomb; it’s perfectly lined up. The quartz sparkles”.

"He's found, too, that some of the standing stones outside the chamber (previously thought to be part of the early henge) provided the markers upon which this solstice alignment was built. So the burial chamber served a dual purpose of solstice alignment for Midsummer’s Day and for burial."

"“Recent theories have suggested that the bluestones at Stonehenge (those forming the inner circle inside the massive sarsens) were in place around 2900BC, and that the Stonehenge solstice alignment may have started at a similar date. If this is the case then Bryn Celli Ddu (built around 3000 BC) becomes a contemporary of Stonehenge”, comments Dr Burrow."

“If these theories are correct then the possibility exists that Stonehenge may have begun as a southern English equivalent of tombs like Bryn Celli Ddu; both sites have a solar alignment, both have a cremation tradition, both use large stones (from Wales), both have a circular ditch around them”, he adds."

"It’s interesting to speculate that some Stone Age travellers might have walked south from Anglesey, turned up – eventually – in Wiltshire and showed the English locals what could be done. But that’s more than fanciful of course! Or is it?"

[End of quotes]

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    Re: Bryn Celli Ddu - The Welsh Stonehenge? by tiompan on Monday, 13 August 2012
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    There are problems with the claims of the solstice alignment at Bryn Celli Ddu being similar to those at Newgrange and Stonehenge . Clearly the sun does shine into the passage and chamber during the solstice but that is not the same as being aligned on the solstice . A simple experiment would show the difference .The Newgrange passage is aligned on the solstice and light shines in it a week either side of the main event . At Bryn Celli Ddu the passage is not aligned on the sunrise being closer to 5 degrees off , (not 2 as suggested by the Boston ,Baynes and Lockyer ) this means you have to wait for 25 minutes after the actual event , which is hidden by the farm and copse , until the sun is high enough to shine into the passage . If the horizon was clear of the farm and trees then the sun would not shine down the passage when it rose .This is clear in all the pics where the sun is is 3 degrees high and shining in the top right corner whereas at Newgrange it appears on the passage floor moving up to the chamber .The experiment that shows that the passage is not aligned on the solstice is simply observing at the site , 28 days either side of the solstice the sun will appear in the same situation performing the same lighting effect ,this would not occur if the passage was aligned on the maximum northerly point of of the rising sun .
    George
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      Re: Bryn Celli Ddu - The Welsh Stonehenge? by Lozelia on Friday, 24 August 2012
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      I'm glad I'm not the only one puzzled by this matter. I understood that Aubrey Burl the archaeo-astronomer had looked at this site and put its alignment around 65 degrees and calculated that it was aligned with the rising sun in early May suggesting that it could mark the arrival of summer (it would also be aligned again in August as the sun moved south again). I have checked the plans and it does appear to be around the 65 degrees mark, which puts it some way from the mid-summer sunrise.
      There is an argument concerning precision and whether the alignment can be generally in the right direction to count. However, where there are narrow entrances this cannot be the case.
      It should be noted that Lockyear and Barnes also claimed that Barclodiad y Gawres was aligned on the midwinter sunrise (SE) when its entrance points almost due north. They were examining the sites before they had been excavated and reconstructed and it is too easy to see patterns in tumbled stones (I know from experience) especially if you are looking for significant alignments.
      I see also see Dr Burrows has put aside the evidence for the earlier henge on the site, if it did exist the plans suggested that the later tomb entrance may have respected the former entrance of the henge.
      If you are looking for alignments Bryn Celli Ddu is in a landscape of other monuments, including a standing stone directly south west of the monument - aligning the tomb with the mid-winter sunset.
      [ Reply to This ]
      Re: Bryn Celli Ddu - The Welsh Stonehenge? by tiompan on Friday, 24 August 2012
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      Hello Lozelia , Robin Heath did an theodolite survey of the passage and came up with an azimuth of 53.116 degrees which makes perfect sense in relation to the what was seen by Steve Burrows . However Heath's calculation of the horizon was way off ,not an uncommon problem when surveyors relying on theodoltes find their view blocked by trees /buildings etc .and consequently failing to calculate the right altitude .The alignment from BCD to the standing stone at Plas Cadnant provides a declination of 23.4 which is closer to the solstice than that of the passage .Yep Barclodiad is a long way off anything lunar never mind solar .

      George
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    Bryn Celli Ddu Passage Tomb, Anglesey: Alignment, Construction, Date, and Ritual by Andy B on Sunday, 02 July 2017
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    Bryn Celli Ddu Passage Tomb, Anglesey: Alignment, Construction, Date, and Ritual (2010) Steve Burrow

    Bryn Celli Ddu is one of only two developed passage tombs in Wales, and has occupied a pivotal place in narratives of this region since the publication of excavations in the 1920s by W.J. Hemp. The construction sequence at the site has been at the centre of debate on several occasions with previous models raising important issues about the sequence of major monument types (notably the henge and the passage tomb) and the inter-regional links of the tomb's builders. This paper presents a new interpretation of the site's construction history, drawing on several sources, including: the recent demonstration that the tomb is aligned on the midsummer sunrise; Hemp's unpublished archive; and the results of a radiocarbon dating programme. The result is a two phase model which shows the tomb to have been built between 3074 and 2956 cal BC, and which sheds fresh light on the ritual practices of the community which built it.

    https://www.researchgate.net/publication/259432483_Bryn_Celli_Ddu_Passage_Tomb_Anglesey_Alignment_Construction_Date_and_Ritual
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      Bryn Celli Ddu Stone Circle Dating by Andy B on Friday, 12 February 2021
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      From the above paper: cremated human remains from pits associated with stoneholes at Bryn Celli Ddu date to 3500–3100 and 3310–2900 cal BC (Burrow 2010: 258–61 & tab. 2).
      [ Reply to This ]

Pillar . . . by Blingo_von_Trumpenstein on Tuesday, 26 June 2012
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My first visit here on Saturday and wow - what a site. Such a welcoming place. I have to say that I think the pillar and some of the other stones (especially behind and infront of the pillar) are petrified wood. Everything about them makes me think so. I have some small pieces of petrified wood and some mesolithic tools from Libya made from same material. I have also been studying amber and jet recently and the bark patterns just leapt out at me. I held a large piece of Baltic amber next to the pillar !! How can we tell for sure ?
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Welsh Rock-Art Discovery by Sunny100 on Thursday, 21 June 2012
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The Llwydiarth Esgob Stone in Anglesey. Click on the link http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-18432443
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Re: Bryn Celli Ddu news on 12th July 2010 by guile on Wednesday, 28 September 2011
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Stephen Burrow will be giving a lecture titled "Bryn Celli Ddu - a new model for its construction and use" at 19.30 hours November 16th. at Canolfan Thomas Telford, Mona Road, Menai Bridge, Anglesey. [Opposite Waitrose carpark]

Full programme of events here

This link doesn't open in a new window - my apologies.
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    Re: Bryn Celli Ddu news on 12th July 2010 by Anonymous on Thursday, 24 November 2011
    Many apologies that this talk didn't happen. My transport to Anglesey was cancelled with no notice, so I was stuck in Cardiff when I should have been talking. Apologies again to any who turned up and were disappointed.
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Re: Bryn Celli Ddu news on 12th July 2010 by DrewParsons on Friday, 29 October 2010
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There is now a new car park and gravel footpath which leads north west from the road to the site. After a few hundred metres turn left over the bridge (not straight ahead) and follow around the path to reach the site.
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    Re: Bryn Celli Ddu news on 12th July 2010 by AngieLake on Saturday, 30 October 2010
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    Is that a new one Drew? Description did sound rather like one that's been there for a few years now.
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Re: Bryn Celli Ddu news on 12th July 2010 by AngieLake on Monday, 12 July 2010
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Andy, how did that ref to " Submitted by Angie Lake on Monday 12th July" come up at the top of the page, when I clearly didn't submit anything today? (I've had an email from a friend in N.Wales mentioning my latest photo of Bryn Celli Ddu, so wondered what she meant.)
Don't want to take any credit for someone else's work!
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Free bus tour! Standing Stones and Megalithic Tombs of Anglesey, Sat 24 July by Andy B on Monday, 12 July 2010
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Flintstones' Grand Day Out: Standing Stones and Megalithic Tombs of Anglesey

Sat 24 July 09.30–17.00

Tour of prehistoric standing stones and chambered tombs of Anglesey. Transport by private bus. A tour by minibus of some of the major sites including some not always accessible, with discussion. Limited numbers. No private travel because of lack of parking on the the route. Free.

Location: Tour to start from meeting place at car park for Bryn Celli Ddu, Llanedwen, Anglesey at OS map ref SH 507702.. Leave A55 at west side of Britannia Bridge, turn left when approaching Llanfairpwllgwyn. Follow A4080 for 2 miles towards Brynsiencyn. Bryn Celli Ddu is signposted up a road to the right.

O: Gwynedd Archaeological Trust
N: George Smith
T: 01248 352535
E: gsmith@heneb.co.uk
W: http://www.heneb.co.uk

Festival of British Archaeology 2010
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Bryn Celli Ddu Street View by SteveDut on Thursday, 13 May 2010
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View Larger Map
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Re: Bryn Celli Ddu's Ox Burial by AngieLake on Saturday, 13 December 2008
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[Please note previous mis-spelling of French site 'Gournay-SUR-Aronde'*!]
The 2002 photos of the area of the Ox Burial have now been posted, along with my ritual movement dowsing plan, which I hope goes up, because it is crucial to understanding why I feel excited about the discovery that an Iron Age site in France had a similar layout, and to quote from the website mentioned on Meg P's *'G-s-A' site page.....
“The Celts' rituals had a variety of meaning, there is fact that a single old oxen was sacrificed in the large central pit and left to decompose. They performed this ritual as an offering to the underground divinities to ensure the potential fertility of the Celts oxen herds.”

I've also posted up the plan of G-sur-A's ritual site, showing how the bones of humans and animals were very specifically laid out in a pattern in those rectangular ditches.
Now, I don't know if there was a ditch around the Ox Burial at Bryn Celli Ddu, but if there was, it would tie in nicely with this example from France. If the ritual did, indeed, follow the route I was shown by my dowsing rods in May 2002, then they would have walked back and forth, over and over those bones, before entering the passage to the chamber of the tomb here at Bryn Celli Ddu.
Also, in the book 'Mysteries of the Ancient World' (Weidenfeld & Nicolson, 1998), where this French site first came to my attention, it was found in a chapter called 'Who Were the Druids?' by A.P. Fitzpatrick. My abiding memory of earlier readings about Anglesey was the important part played by the Druids who lived there, especially their final brave attempt to prevent the Romans invading the island. That said, the site in France was Iron Age, unless anything different has been discovered since the book was published in 1998.
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Re: Bryn Celli Ddu's Ox Burial by AngieLake on Saturday, 13 December 2008
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Outside the entrance to the passage at Bryn Celli Ddu is the site of an Ox Burial. This tends to get overlooked in the excitement of exploring the site's other features, but in 2002 I dowsed it, and was surprised to pick up a rectangular labyrinth-like movement that enclosed it before heading into the entrance of the chamber's passage.
I've just found some interesting information in Mysteries of the Ancient World, Edited by Judith Flanders, [Weidenfield & Nicolson, 1998] under a chapter about the Druids. (And we hear that there was much evidence of them in Anglesey!) This concerned a site in Northern France, called Gournay-sure-Aronde. Martyn has just put up a site page for it, and I've added some comments and a full English webpage info piece about the site.
I will add the info in the book later.
I wonder if King Arthur's Hall on Bodmin Moor was another such ritual area?
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Film inspired by Anglesey's prehistoric past by Andy B on Wednesday, 24 September 2008
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Songs From Stones, a film inspired by Anglesey's rich and varied
prehistoric past, has been premiered at Beaumaris Castle (Isle of
Anglesey, Wales). Commissioned by Cadw, the Welsh Assembly's historic
environment service, and created by artist Sean Harris, Songs From
Stones is the culmination of an innovative community project on the
island, continuing the pioneering work undertaken with National Museum
Wales, to explore Anglesey's prehistoric heritage.
Songs From Stones has been shown in a rather unconventional
cinema housed in a converted grain silo located in one of the castle's
magnificent round towers.

More at Wales Online:
http://www.walesonline.co.uk/whats-on/whats-on-news/2008/08/29/film-inspired-by-anglesey-s-prehistoric-past-91466-21629343/

and Cadw http://www.cadw.wales.gov.uk
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Re: Bryn Celli Ddu by coldrum on Tuesday, 10 July 2007
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http://www.cadw.wales.gov.uk/default.asp?id=6&PlaceID=31
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Re: Bryn Celli Ddu by Anonymous on Sunday, 17 June 2007
Condition:
Ambience:
Access:
Owned and maintained by Cadw or the Welsh equivlent of English Heritage Bryn Celli Ddu is well sighnposted and very well maintained.

for those really interested in the tombs history and significance you must obtain a copy of the magnificent book

"Prehistoric Anglesea" written by Francis Lynch of Gwynedd Archaeology Society is a superb book about all of Angleseas prehistory and covers every aspect of archaeology on the island.
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Solstice sun beams into chamber by Anonymous on Friday, 30 June 2006
The summer solstice sun beaming through a north Wales burial chamber has been recorded by experts.

The 20-minute alignment of the sun will occur on only a few days this week at the Bryn Celli Ddu chamber on Anglesey.

The video of the summer solstice at the 5,000-year-old chamber will form part of a museum exhibition in Cardiff.

Archaeologist Steve Burrow made the discovery after reading a book by Sir Norman Lockyear published almost 100 years ago.

Mr Burrow said: "The sun doesn't move that much on the days around the solstice.

"Last year I spent six days going up there, on the last day we managed to get it - the weather was a bit dodgy.

"It was absolutely incredible," he said.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/north_west/5099130.stm
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Re: Bryn Celli Ddu by Anonymous on Friday, 23 June 2006
Spent night of 20th in chamber, as bad weather forecast for solstice morning- a most special place, peaceful, warmth enveloping senses when within, noticed two new batteries depleted of power in the camera after 6 pics, had to replace for external shots when sunrise came.Shame, but cloudbank spoilt first rays phenomenon, though clear later. Will be back many times I think, came away feeling that a profound change in me had taken place, thogh cannot quite put my finger on what this is as yet. Rate this as high as Stonehenge, long may it be looked after for the coming generationsMy companion felt totally different, they thought that terrible things had happened here- I disagree, its fascinating.Pat Judson
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Re: Bryn Celli Ddu by coldrum on Thursday, 22 June 2006
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See the light at 5,000-year-old chamber

Jun 22 2006

By Hywel Trewyn, Daily Post


A SPECTACULAR summer solstice alignment will take place at an ancient North Wales monument built before the Pyramids.

The 20-minute alignment of the sun will take place at Bryn Celli Ddu burial chamber near Brynsiencyn, Anglesey.

It is one of the world's first sun dials - built before Stonehenge.

The unique summer solstice sun beaming through the chamber has now been recorded by history experts.

The video of the summer solstice at the 5,000-year-old chamber forms part of a new museum exhibition in Cardiff.

http://icnorthwales.icnetwork.co.uk/news/regionalnews/tm_objectid=17273150%26method=full%26siteid=50142%26headline=see%2dthe%2dlight%2dat%2d5%2d000%2dyear%2dold%2dchamber-name_page.html
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Re: Bryn Celli Ddu by expatpete on Tuesday, 20 June 2006
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more on this site at
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/wales/north_west/5083436.stm

pete
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Re: Bryn Celli Ddu by redsonya on Friday, 10 December 2004
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I slept inside Bryn Celli Ddu last Sowen/Halloween as a sort of rights of passage and it was one of the most powerful experiences I ahve ever had.
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