Books, Prehistory, Archaeological Journal Volume 28 1871 Pages 97-108

Archaeological Journal Volume 28 1871 Pages 97-108 is in Archaeological Journal Volume 28 1871.

The Cromlechs of Anglesey

On a former occasion, in calling the notice of archaeologists to the grand megalithic remains at Plas Newydd, a concise enumeration of the principal remains of the same class was given by Mr. Stanley, that could not fail, without entering into any descriptive details, to invite attention to the remarkable number and important character of the cromlechs that exist in Anglesey, or have existed within recent memory. It has seemed advisable to offer a more extended enumeration of these curious vestiges of prehistoric date, now appreciated with intelligent interest, and carefully studied in various countries of Europe; still, however, exposed to wanton injury,—too frequently, even within recent recollection, mutilated and destroyed.

It may not be without interest to note the small beginnings of antiquarian interest in such remains. Barely noticed by Camden, the " Noun-ice of Antiquity," the cromlech and the meinhir were by some regarded possibly as adventitious accidents of nature, too massively imposing to be really the device of man. With Edward Lluyd and Rowlands, Borlase, and the unwearied observer, Pennant, these mysterious vestiges were at length more truly appreciated. How changed are now our notions of their claims as evidence subsidiary to history, when we find the inquisitive De Foe, in his circuit of personal inspection, about 1725, pronouncing that "there is nothing of note to be seen in the Isle of Anglesea," save the Edwardian fortress of Beaumaris. He had heard, indeed, of huge stones, so disposed as to slope like the roof of a barn; of two circles, also, such as Stonehenge, but larger. He did not care to see them. A particular kind of monument only arrested his attention. Of this he took notice, namely, single stones "set up on one end, which, being so very large, are likely to remain till the end of time."

The origin and first use of the term cromlech, in the sense now familiar to us, remain in uncertainty. It has been stated that it was thus used first by Rowlands, of whose "Mona" the first edition appeared in 1723. He observes that the huge stones mounted on erect supporters, and considered by him to have been altars, were, and are to this day, vulgarly called by the name of crom-lech.¹ The late learned president of the Royal Irish Academy, Dr. Todd, in a memorable discussion on the “Cromlech question,” at the Cambrian meeting in Cardiff, expressed his impression that the term had thus originated; in this conclusion Mr. Barnwell, with others who have given special attention to cromlechs, seems to concur.² This notion, however, is erroneous. Mr. T. Stephens, of Merthyr, in his "Memoir on the Names of Cromlechau in South Wales," cites the description of the surprising example at Pentre Evan, Pembrokeshire, as given in George Owen’s MS. history of the county, and designated “Maen y Gromlech” (sic). Owen wrote after 1588, probably about 1600.³ Other early instances of the use of the word occur. It were needless here to pursue this subject further; Mr. Stephens seems clearly to establish that the name cromlech, although in use in the seventeenth century, long prior to the time of Rowlands, is comparatively of no ancient authority, and is not found in the Welsh laws, the Triads, or any of the older MSS.⁴ As regards the various capricious names locally assigned to such monuments by popular tradition, he points out, with truth, that they throw no light whatever upon the remote origin or the use of the cromlech.

Note 1. Mona Antiqua, p. 47, second edit.

Note 2. Arch. Camb., vol. iv. p. 219; see also the memoir on Celtic Monuments, by the Rev. E. L. Barnwell, ibid., third series, vol. vii. p. 49.

Note 3. "They call tho stone Gromlech, but I think the true etymologie is Grymlech, that is, the stone of strength, for that great strength was used in the setting it to lye in sorte as it doth.” George Owen's MS, cited in Fenton's Hist. of Pembrokeshire, p. 561, where the grand cromlech at Pentre Evan is figured.

Note 4. Some importance has been attached to the occurrence of the phrase “ cromlechydd y creigian” in two passages of Isaiah, in Bishop Morgan's Welsh Version, published in 1588. In one of these (c. 2, v. 19), the corresponding words in the Vulgate are, “In speluncas petrarum;”’ in our Bible, “holes of the rocks.” In the other (c. 57, v. 5), “subter eminentes petras,” “clifts of the rocks.” It would certainly seem, as Dr. Todd observed, that the expression does not imply such isolated structures as are now familiarly designated cromlechs.

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The term cromlech, it must be observed, has been adopted in England only: in Ireland such monuments are commonly called leabhaidh —beds or graves, giants’ graves, &c.; in France, dolmens (Breton, daul, table, men, pierre); in Germany, hünengraber, and so forth. It is known on the Continent only as designating a circle of stones, commonly termed in France a cromlech (Breton, crom, courbe lech, pierre).⁵

Note 5. See the useful manual by De Caumont, Antiquites Monumentales, Ere Celtique, pp. 74, 87.

It were doubtless desirable, for more thorough investigation of prehistoric monuments in the Principality, for comparison with similar remains in other parts of the country, and also with those in other lands, that an accurate census, so to speak, should be taken in each county, with references to previous notices of such remains, to engravings, and the like, whereby the former condition of our megalithic monuments may be to a certain degree ascertained, and the memory preserved of those that have perished. Several lists of the cromlechs of Anglesey had from time to time been compiled; these it has appeared desirable here to combine and to amplify, more especially as numerous scattered notices contained in the four series (twenty-six volumes) of the "Archeaologia Cambrensis" are with difficulty available, through deficiency of indexes. The most recent enumeration, appended to Mr. Stanley’s memoir on the Plas Newydd tumulus, reproduced in this Journal, comprised twenty-four examples, of which several had fallen, or been wholly destroyed.

In previous volumes of the "Archeologia Cambrensis" the late Rev. H. Longueville Jones had included cromlechau in his useful lists of Early British Remains, arranged by counties.⁶ At an earlier period David Thomas, a frequent contributor to the "Cambrian Register," had preserved in the volume for 1796 a list of “Druidical altars,” numbering 30 examples.⁷ He had much knowledge of Welsh lore and antiquities, and at that time resided in Anglesey. The Rev. W. Bingley, who made his tour of Wales in 1798, drew up a list of 28 cromlechs in Mona. Comparatively few of these had been mentioned by Rowlands. In the history of the island, by Angharad Llwyd, published in 1833, it is stated that thirty had been enumerated by her father, the friend of Pennant, the Rev. John Lloyd, from whose MSS. numerous notices of these monuments were extracted in the course of her Parochial History.

Note 6. The portions relating to Anglesey will be found in vol. v. new series, p.205, and vol. i. third series, p. 24. In these will be found notices of twenty-one cromlechau.

Note 7. Cambr. Register, vol. ii. p. 288. See an account of David Thomas in Williams’ Eminent Welshmen, p. 483.

The comparatively large number of such megalithic remains, in the most remote quarter of Wales, must not be regarded as merely a point of trivial antiquarian curiosity. The profusion of such vestiges in that ultima tellus [farthest land] cannot fail to have a special and direct bearing on the obscure question of the race and origin of the earliest settlers in the island of Môn.

We are not aware that any reliable advocates are now prepared to sustain the theory of the sacrificial purpose of the cromlech, or of its hallowed uses as a place of augury or other “Druidical” mysteries, speculations of which the Rev. John Jones, of Llanllyfni, was, as we imagine, the latest exponent, at the Cambrian meeting in 1848.⁸ Many, however, who, with the older antiquarians, George Owen, Llwyd, George Griffiths, and such eminent authorities also, of our own days, as Petrie and Dr. Todd, and Lukis, yield ready assent to the conclusion that cromlechs are of a sepulchral character, may not be prepared to admit that “these structures are so very old as to have left no indications of their use or origin in either the language or traditions of the Kymry,” as demonstrated, we apprehend, in the well-argued statement by Mr. Stephens, of Merthyr.⁹ Still less would they be willing to give ear to the alleged conclusions, even of so distinguished an archeologist as Worsaae, that cromlechs are not even the vestiges of any Celtic or Cymric race.

Note 8. The Cromlech, a memoir read at the Carnarvon Meeting; Arch Cambr. vol. iv. p. 82.

Note 9. Ibid., third series, vol. ii, p. 108.

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                    We have yet to learn who were in fact the cromlech-builders, whose migrations may be tracked, as the Baron de Bonstetten has sought to demonstrate until their west-ward progress was brought to a close on the British Islands. The enigma of their nationality still presents perplexities that the most sagacious of our fellow-labourers have sought in vain satisfactorily to solve.
                
                    In closing these remarks, it is with much pleasure that I acknowledge the friendly assistance of the Rev. W. Wynn Williams, of Menaifron, in the preparation of the following list.
                
                    Albert Way.

1. Plas Newydd [Map], Llanidan par. (s).

The most remarkable of the numerous cromlechs in Anglesey, with which indeed no other example in the British Islands may compare in magnitude of dimensions, and the grand impressive character of its aspect, is the renowned monument in the woods behind the house at Plas Newydd.¹ This is a double cromlech, the upper stone of the larger moiety measuring in length, according to Pennant, 12 ft. 7 in., 12 ft. in breadth and 4 ft. in thickness. It was supported by five tall stones, of which one has now fallen, and is so lofty that, as Pennant observes, a middle-sized horse might easily pass beneath. The lesser one, to the south of the great cromlech, is separated by a small interval, about 13 in.; the upper stone is almost square, measuring about 5½ ft. in each direction, and supported by four uprights. Rowlands, by whom this grand cromlech appears to have been first noticed, about 1723, men- tions the site as formerly called Llwyn Moel, and that there probably was one of the larger Druidical groves. Mona Antiqua, p. 94, second edition. A small inaccurate representation is to be seen in pl. vii, and the dimensions are given as 13 ft. by 9, the thickness 3 ft.; those of the smaller adjunct 6 ft. by 5, thickness 3 ft. (Ibid. p. 100). It may be observed that Rowlands was, as some allege, the first writer by whom the term "cromlechs" was used to designate the megalithic remains under consideration. Pennant, in his journey in 1781, seems to have examined carefully both the cromlechs and the adjacent carnedd, amidst the venerable oaks, at that time belonging to Sir Nicholas Bayly. Tour in Wales, vol. ii. p. 236. A view by Moses Griffith accompanies his description,² from which the particulars given by King, Munim. Antiqua, p. 93, and in Gough’s Additions to Camden’s Britannia, vol. iii. p. 201, were chiefly taken. Amongst other notices of this celebrated cromlech, may be cited that by the late Rev. H. Longueville Jones, in his Memoir on the Cromlechs extant in Anglesey (in 1846), Arch. Journ. vol. iii. p. 41, with a view of the monument. See also his list of Prehistoric Remains of Wales, Arch. Cambr. N. S,, vol. v. 205. He observes that he was not aware of any excavations having been made under it, but there is every appearance, from the formation of the ground, that it had once been surrounded by a carn or heap of stones. Mr. Jones suggests that probably the second cromlech in these cases served as the tomb of the wife, or the son, of the deceased chieftain. He has given, in the Archaologia Cambrensis (third series, vol. viii. p. 13), a second N.W. view of the Plas Newydd monument, as an illustration supplementary to a memoir "On the Construction of Giants’ Houses, or Cromlechs,” by H. M. Frederick VII, King of Denmark, translated from the Transactions of the Royal Society of Northern Antiquaries. In the illustrations, the probable mode of raising massive blocks of stone upon inclined planes is set forth in a very interesting manner. In connexion with this curious subject, the observations of Mr. G. T. Clark, on occasion of the visit of the Cambrian Archzeological Association to Plas Newydd, in 1860, claim special consideration. He described the operations that he had witnessed in India,—the means of elevating enormous masses of stone by inclined planes of earth, and cited a tomb near Poonah, where the process had been employed under his own observation, in the midst of a large British station. Arch. Cambr., third series, vol. vi. p. 369.

Note 1. The ancient mansion, Llwyn y Moel, having been destroyed when the estate came into the possession of Dr. Bayly, Bishop of Bangor, 1616, the present name was given to tho renovated dwelling.

Note 2. Some further particulars are given in the Rev. John Lloyd's Collections (Caerwys MS.) printed by his daughter Angharad, with detailed measurements of the stones, differing in some respects from the statement by Pennant, giving also the present condition of the minor pillar-stones, and other details. Hist. of Mona, pp. 238, 242. See also Bingley’s Tour in 1798, vol. ii. p. 262; Pughe’s Cambria Depicta, &e.

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2. Plas Newydd [aka Bryn yr Hen Bobl Burial Chamber [Map]]

Chambered Tumulus, described in the foregoing memoir by Mr. Stanley. The precise period when the excavations were made that brought to light the remarkable remains on the east side of the large mound has not been ascertained. It may be supposed, however, that the discovery of the cist, first described by Pennant, had occurred not long before his visit in 1781. Rowlands, about 1723, had noticed the mound as "one of the largest carnedds in Anglesey, yet scarce discerned and distinguished from a mount of earth, the stones being overgrown with earth and moss, and great trees growing thick upon it. It lies in a dry bottom, without any pillars now standing by it." Mona Antiqua, p. 94, second edit. The little representation of the mound, pi. vii., fig. 2, grotesquely unlike the object, is not without interest as shewing the oaks amidst masses of stone; the explanatory references indicate—"the even side 20 paces up;—the broken side,—the circumference 100 paces." There can be little doubt that the curious entrance to the internal cell had not at that time been exposed, and that it was unknown to Rowlands; it is probable that it was subsequently revealed on "the broken side" of the mound. It may likewise be inferred that it was not known to Mr. David Thomas, who would not have omitted to advert to so remarkable a peculiarity, in his "List of Cromlechau, or Druidical Altars in Anglesey." We there find mention only of an "artificial mount in the skirts of Plas Newydd wood, commonly called Bryn yr hen Bobl" [mound of the old people]; "supposed to have been a druidical sepulchral ground." Cambr. Reg., for 1796, vol. ii. p. 289. About 1858 some excavations were commenced by Mr. W. W. E. Wynne, of Peniarth, labourers having been placed at his disposal by Lady Willoughby de Broke, who for some time has resided at Plas Newydd. No fresh result was obtained; it is very probable, however, that, as suggested by Mr. Wynne at the Bangor meeting of the Cambrian Association, another cell or cromlech, if not more, remain, as in the Rodmarton tumulus, of which a plan and section are given by Mr. Stanley, fig. 5, supra, concealed within the mound; it were very desirable that further researches should be carried out. Arch. Cambr., third series, vol. vi. p. 369.

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3. Bryncelli-ddu [Map], Llanddeiniel par. (s).

This highly curious sepulchral monument is situated on the farm of Bryncelli-ddu, near Plas Gwyn, now called Plas-llwynon. It is marked "Yr Ogof" in the Ordnance Survey. Rowlands, in 1766, states that there are "in Llanddeiniel parish, at a place called Plas Gwyn, formerly Llwyn Llwyd, now Bryn Kelli, the remains of two Carnedds, within a few paces of one another." Of these carnedds he has given representations, pl. vii. p. 100. He observes that the stones, of which these vast accumulations were composed, had been carried away to form walls and enclosures. In the progress doubtless of this destruction, the discovery occurred, described by Pennant, Tour in Wales, vol. ii. p. 262. A few years previous to his visit, about 1780, a passage 3 ft. wide was found, and about 19|- ft. high, leading into a chamber of irregularly hexagonal form, 3 ft. in diameter, 7 ft. in height, the sides formed of six rude slabs. In the middle was a pillar supporting the roof, a large stone nearly 10 ft. in diameter. Along the sides of this chamber was a bench, on which lay human bones, that fell to dust at a touch. The diameter of the carnedd was about 100 ft.3 Of the denuded cromlechlike structure, all traces of the carnedd having now disappeared, Mr. Longueville Jones gave a view, taken from the S. E., in 1846, and accompanying more full particulars. Arch. Cambr. vol. ii. p. 3. The most complete description, however, of these remarkable remains is to be found in the Memoir on Cromlechs in North Wales, by the liev. E. L. Barnwell, Arch. Cambr., third series, vol. xv. p. 140; with a ground plan, section, and interior view, shewing the gallery. These illustrations are from actual survey by Capt. Lukis, whose intimate knowledge of subjects of this nature, especially through his researches in the Channel Islands, is well known to all students of prehistoric remains. His account of Bryncelli-ddu claims careful consideration, as compared with the extraordinary statement given by Pennant. The complete denudation of the structure at Bryncelli-ddu, in the course of a century, is a fact of considerable interest, as connected with the belief that all cromlechs had originally been enveloped in a mound of earth, a carnedd of stones and the like. It is gratifying to state that the remains have been fenced in and preserved from future injury by the care of Mr. C. Evans, of Pliis Gwyn, acting on behalf of the Marquis of Anglesey. Arch. Camb., N. S., vol. v. p. 205. They were visited during the meeting of the Cambrian Archaeological Association at Bangor, in 1860: Arch. Cambr., third series, vol. vi. pp. 364—368. They are noticed by Angh. Llwyd, under Llanddeiniel Vab, Hist. Anglesey, p. 221; Pughe, Cambria Depicta, p. 71.

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4. Perthi-duon [Map], Llanidan par. (s). The late Rev. H. Longueville Jones notices a cromlech near the old church, to S.W., partly demolished. Arch. Cambr., new series, vol. v. p. 206. See also a note of this cromlech, ibid. vol. i., first series, p. 467, where it is stated that "copper chisels" were found under it, about 1825. Compare a tradition under Caer-llechau, infra. No. 8.

                    5. Bodowyr [Map], Llanidan par. (s).
                
                    Near Llangaifo. Figured by Bowlands, Mona Ant., pi. v. fig. 2, p. 93, and there described as "a pretty cromlech standing on the top of a hillock." He gives the dimensions as 7 ft. by 6 ft.; the cap-stone being a truncated pyramid, flat at the top; thickness, 6 ft. See also Camden's Brit., edit, by Gough, vol. iii. p. 200. A more accurate notice by the Rev. W". Wynn "Williams will be found, Arch. Cambr., third series, vol. xv.p. 264. 
                
                    Described as one of the smallest cromlechau known, and in perfect preservation. In his additions to Camden, Bishop Gibson gives a letter from the Rev. John Davies, Rector of Newburgh, in which he remarks that in Bod-Owyr, on the N.E. side of a round fort that he describes, there is a "Kromlech, which several, as well as myself, suppose to be another kind of sepulchral monument since the time of Druidism. This Kromlech at Bod-Owyr is more elegant than any monument that I have seen of its kind; for, whereas in all others which I have noted the top-stone as well as the supporters is altogether rude and unpolished, in this it is neatly wrought, considering the natural roughness of the stone, and pointed into several angles." Camden, second edit., by Gibson, 1722, vol. ii. p. 810. The Rev. H. Longueville Jones notices it in his memoir on the cromlechs extant in Anglesey, Arch. Journ., vol. iii. p. 42; see also his list Arch. Camb., N. S., vol. v. p. 206; and the more full notice by the Rev. W. Wynn Williams, Arch. Cambr., third series, vol. xv. p. 263, where the monument is figured.

6. Lon Caerau Mawr, Llangeinwen par. (s).

One side-supporter only remains.

7. Tan-Twr, Llangeinwen par. Noticed in Mr. Stanley's list, Arch. Cambr., fourth series, vol. i. p. 58. A single upright stone, or supporter, alone remains.

8. Caer-llechau, Llangeinwen par. (s).

Mentioned in Mr. Stanley's list, Arch. Cambr., fourth series, vol. i. p, 58, Some stones only recently remained; they are now (1871) entirely cleared away. There is a tradition that bronze weapons or implements of some kind were found near the spot. See a similar statement noticed supra, under Perthi-duon. No. 4.

                    9. Manan Pant y Saer [Map], Llanfair yn Mathafarn eithav par. (E).
                
                    David Thomas mentions a cromlech at this place (Cambr. Reg., vol. ii. p. 989), the same probably that is given in Mr. Longueville Jones' list of British remains, and described as "thrown down, on a hill near a farm called Bryn-y-felin, half a mile S.E, of Llanfair-Mathafern church." Arch. Cambr., third series, vol. i. p. 25. Angharad Llwyd also notices a cromlech at Manan Pant-y-Saer (part of Rhos Yawr), and observes that " formerly there was one at Llech-tal-y-Μδη, but that is now destroyed." Hist. Anglesey, p. 253.
                
                    It has been recently described and figured by the Rev. Hugh Prichard, Arch. Cambr., third series, vol. xiv. p. 89.

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10. Cremlyn [Map], Llanddona par. (E).

Rowlands, Mona, p. 47, mentions a place called Cremlyn, where were stone monuments and a standing cromlech near them, "as if it had been one of their Cremlwynau or sacrificing groves, showing tokens of some extraordinary celebration of that place." This cromlech is noticed by David Thomas; Cambr. Reg., ii. p. 289: Angh. Llwyd, Hist. Anglesey, p. 222, Situated 3½ miles N.W. of Beaumaris, and near Bwrdd Arthur.

11. Trefor [Map], or Trevawr, Llansadwrn par. (E).

David Thomas, in his list of cromlechau, mentions one at "Trefor." Cambr. Reg. for 1796, vol. ii. p. 288. In Gough's additions to Camden's Britannia, vol. iii. p. 201, it is stated that there is at this place "a great rude cromlech, and ruins of another." The Rev. J. Lloyd noticed them also in his MS. collections, published by his daughter Angharad, in her History of Mona, p. 297. "On a tenement called Trevawr in this parish (Llansadwrn) there are two cromlechau; one is a large stone mounted high upon four pillars, its inclination westward; in length it is 9 ft. and 8 ft. in breadth. Near it, and upon the same carnedd, is another, supported only by two stones, with great inclination northward." (This cromlech fell down in 1825. Note, ibid.) Angharad, in the account of the great cromlech at Plas Newydd, p. 243, observes that "another double cromlech, not less extraordinary, is near a house called Trevor, about 2½ miles from Beaumaris, in the road to Plasgwyn. The only material difference between this cromlech and the former is that the second or inferior altar is placed a little further off from its lower end, and that its top is somewhat gibbous," so that, as in the "Giant's Coit," in Cornwall, it is very difficult to stand upon it. Mr. Longueville Jones states that the Trefor cromlech was thrown down a few years since by the tenant, as being "superstitious." Arch. Cambr. N. S., vol. v. p. 205. See also his Memoir on Cromlechs Extant in Anglesey, Arch. Journ., vol. iii. p. 43.

12. Henblas [Map], Llangristiolus par. (w). On the N.W. side of Malldraeth Marsh, and not far from the Mona Inn. Described in 1846 by the late Rev. H. Longueville Jones, in his Memoir on the Cromlechs Extant in Anglesey, Arch. Journ., vol. iii. p. 40, and there affirmed to be "one of the most stupendous cromlechs, if it be a cromlech, in this or any other island." It was approached, as there stated, by an avenue of stones from the S.E., which, as Mr. Jones was informed in 1846, by the man who did it, were buried by him j ust as they stood, in order to disencumber the surface. See also his list of Cromlechs in Mona, Arch. Cambr., third series, vol. i. p. 25. It has been more fully noticed by the Rev. Hugh Prichard, in a memoir in Arch. Cambr., third series, vol. xii. p. 466, with a plan and a view of the remains. See Angh. Llwyd, Hist. Anglesey, p. 281.

13. Plas-bach, Trefdraeth par. (w).

A few stones of a cromlech remain near this place.

14. Llanfaelog [Ty Newydd Burial Chamber [Map]] par. (w).

The late Rev. II. Longueville Jones, in his Memoir on Cromlechs Extant in Anglesey, Arch. Journ., vol. iii. p. 42, describes this as a remarkably fine relic of its class; he gives a representation and detailed measurements. See also Arch. Cambr., third series, vol. x. p. 44. The capstone measures 12 ft. by 9 ft., and from 2 to 3 ft. in thickness. It was noticed by Pennant as "quite bedded in the carnedd or heap of stones." Tour in Wales, vol. ii. p. 238; Angh. Llwyd, Hist. Anglesey, p. 248. By its side, as stated by Mr. Jones, lie the fallen remains of a much larger cromlech, the cap-stone measuring 15 ft. in length. He observes also that another, quite surrounded with stones and earth, had been found in Llanfaelog parish by the late Rev. C. H. Hartshorne. Mr. David Thomas enumerates one on Ty Newydd land, a second, partly demolished, on Mynydd y Cnwc, in Llanfaelog, and " three small altars near Cryghyll River," Cambr. Reg., vol. ii. p. 288.

15. Llanfaelog [Barclodiad y Gawres Burial Chamber [Map]] par. (w).

Cromlech on a projecting piece of land called Pen y Cnwc, overhanging the sea, two miles south of Llanfaelog church. Early British Remains in Wales, Mona, Arch. Cambr., third series, vol. iii. p. 25. See also Arch. Camb., third series, vol. xv. p. 403, where it is described under the heading of Barclodiad y Gawres. Mr. Longueville Jones mentions also in that list a cromlech in a field near the sandy common, one mile N.N. W. of Llanfaelog church, and two (one fallen down) in a field by the roadside, one mile N.N.E. of the church.

16. Llanfaelog [Pentre Traeth Burial Chamber [Map]] par. (w).

"Three small altars near Cryghyll river," are enumerated in the list given by David Thomas; Cambr. Reg., vol. ii. p. 288. Of these one may be the cromlech described by the Rev. Hugh Prichard in his Memoir on Copper Cakes, &c., Castellor, as being west of a farmhouse called Pentre Traeth Arch. Cambr., fourth series, vol. ii. p. 51. Mr. Prichard observes that it is given in the Ordnance Survey as a cromlech, but it may be described as a scattered tumulus or carnedd, with its chamber, or chambers, laid open or destroyed. A woodcut of a large fragment there is figured, p. 66.

17. Llanfaelog (w). One partly demolished on Mynydd y Cnwc, [probably the same cromlech as that above noticed, No. 15.]

18. Towyntrewyn, Llanfihangel-yn-nhywyn (al. yn y-traeth) par. (w). Near this place there exists a cromlech, according to David Thomas's list, Cambr. Reg., vol. ii. p. 289; mentioned also by Angh. Llwyd, Hist. Anglesey, p. 265. [Probably the same as the Pentre-Traeth cromlech last mentioned. W. Wynn Williams.]

19. [Waenfynydd aka Castellor Burial Chamber [Map]] Llechylched par. (w). Fragments of a cromlech on a farm called Waenfynydd. Two stones remain; the cap-stone was broken up some years ago. Rev. Hugh Prichard, Memoir on Castellor, &c., Arch. Cambr., fourth series, vol. ii. p. 53.

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Treban, Ceirchiog par. (w).

In a field on the north side of the great Irish road, ten miles from Holyhead, and one mile N.E. of the church. Mr. Longueville Jones' List, Arch. Cambr., third series, vol. i. p. 25. [Destroyed.]

Presaddfed [Map], Bodedern par. (w).

A remarkable double cromlech at the south end of Llyn Llywean, in the grounds of the Marquis of Anglesey's house at Presaddfed. It is situated opposite the ninth milestone on the old road from Holyhead. In Gough's additions to Camden, Brit. vol. iii. p. 204, it is observed that the dimensions of the top-stone exceed those of the great cromlech at Plas Newydd; as in that example, its largest diameter points north and south. The late Rev. H. L. Jones has given a representation in Arch. Journ., vol. iii. p. 43, showing that one is of unusual dimensions, affording a shelter of at least 12 ft. square, and the cattle take refuge beneath. Close to it is the wreck of a second, that has fallen down. Angh. Llwyd, Hist. Angles., p. 243; List of British Remains, Mona, Arch. Cambr., third series, vol. i. p. 25. An appeal in behalf of its preservation, is given Arch. Cambr. fourth series, vol. ii. p. 283.

22. Trefigneth [Map], Trevignedd, or Treseiriol (w).

About a mile and half from Holyhead. Partly destroyed about 1790. A chamber 20 ft. by 4 ft.; 4 ft. high, inside. First noticed by Aubrey, in his Monumenta Britannica; see additions to Camden's Britannia, edit. Gibson, vol. ii. p. 811; Angh, Llwyd, Hist, of Mona, p. 208; notice by Hon. W. 0. Stanley, Arch. Cambr., third series, vol. xiii. p. 234, where it is figured.

23. Trearddur [Map] (w).

A cromlech called Coetan Arthur, Arthur's quoit; about a quarter of a mile from the last. In 1837 a fictile vase was found there, containing Roman coins; Angh. Llwyd, p. 208; Arch. Cambr., third series, vol. xiii. p. 234. A few stones only remain.

24. Rhoscolyn [Map] par. (w).

A few stones remain. The site is on a farm called Cromlech Rhoscolyn. The Rev. H. L. Jones, in his List of Cromlechau in Mona, mentions one in a field on the sea-coast, a mile N.W. of Rhoscolyn church.

25. Llanfechell [Map] par. (N). About a mile W. of the church, 6 miles from Amlwch, in a field adjoining a farm-house, that retains the name of "Cromlech," are three erect stones, 10 ft. in height, 12 ft. apart from each other, the remains as stated, of a cromlech of unusually lofty proportions. Mr. Longueville Jones, in his list of Early British Remains in Mona, in 1855, notices it as a cromlech thrown down and partly injured of late, with traces of a carnedd of stones surrounding it. Arch. Cambr. third series, vol. i. p. 24. Anghai-ad Llwyd also describes it: Hist, of Anglesey, p. 259. The capstone has disappeared.

                    26. Bodafon, Llanfihangel Tre'r Beirdd par. (N).
                
                    On the western slope of the mountain there is a small cromlech, near a cottage called Ty'n Llidiart, described and figured by the Rev. W. Wynn Williams, Arch. Camb. third series, vol. xiii. p. 344. David Thomas, in his list of Cromlechau in Anglesey, Cambr. Reg., vol. ii. p. 288, mentions three cromlechau on this mountain. Angharad Llwyd, Hist, of Mona, p. 263, notices the following — Maen Llwydd, capstone 10 ft. by 8 ft. — a small cromlech, nearly destroyed, near the last, at Banas (sic, for Barras) — and Carreg y Vrân, described as originally a double cromlech, resembling that at Plas Newydd, and stated to be the best example in Anglesey. 
                
                    The Rev. W. Wynn Williams, however, points out the error here made by Angharad, whose notices were derived from the MSS. collections by her father, the Rev. John Lloyd (Caerwys MSS.) The parish of Llanfihangel Tre'r Beirdd has doubtless been confounded with the township of Tre'r Beirdd, in the parish of Llanidan, where are situated the cromlechs known as Maen Llwyd, Barras, and Carreg-y-Vran, as described by Rowlands, Mona Antiqua, p. 93. In plate VI he gives rude representations of Maen Llwyd, and Carreg y Fran. Rowlands mentions also remains of a small cromlech near Carreg y Fran, at a place called Ban-as. [It is not now in existence, W.W.W.]

All About History Books

The Chronicle of Geoffrey le Baker of Swinbroke. Baker was a secular clerk from Swinbroke, now Swinbrook, an Oxfordshire village two miles east of Burford. His Chronicle describes the events of the period 1303-1356: Gaveston, Bannockburn, Boroughbridge, the murder of King Edward II, the Scottish Wars, Sluys, Crécy, the Black Death, Winchelsea and Poitiers. To quote Herbert Bruce 'it possesses a vigorous and characteristic style, and its value for particular events between 1303 and 1356 has been recognised by its editor and by subsequent writers'. The book provides remarkable detail about the events it describes. Baker's text has been augmented with hundreds of notes, including extracts from other contemporary chronicles, such as the Annales Londonienses, Annales Paulini, Murimuth, Lanercost, Avesbury, Guisborough and Froissart to enrich the reader's understanding. The translation takes as its source the 'Chronicon Galfridi le Baker de Swynebroke' published in 1889, edited by Edward Maunde Thompson. Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback.

27. Lligwy [Map], Penrhos Lligwy par. (N).

A remarkable example, called also Coetan Arthur, adjoining the road from Red Wharf to Lligwy Bay, and on the estates of Lord Boston. Cap-stone of massive dimensions, 16 ft. by 13 ft. and 3 ft. 6 in. thick. Lewis, Topogr. Diet, of Wales: Angh. Llwyd, p. 341: Memoir by Rev. W. Wynn Williams, in 1867, Arch. Cambr., third series, vol. xiii. p. 135, where a N.E. and a S.E. view are given, with a plan. In 1845, as related by the late Rev. Hugh Jones, D.D. diggings for treasure at Lligwy exposed to view a quantity of bones, but their nature has not been stated, Arch. Journ., vol. ii. p. 269.

28. Parkiau, Penrhos Lligwy par. (N).

Near Fedw isaf. Angh. Llwyd, p. 341. [Destroyed],

29. Llanallgo par. (N).

David Thomas mentions a cromlech in the small parish of Llanallgo, adjoining Llaneugrad, Cambr. Reg. vol. ii. p. 289. It is noticed also by Angh. Llwyd, Hist. Anglesey, p. 215. In Mr. Longueville Jones' List, a cromlech of large dimensions is noticed, in the grounds of Llugwy, a quarter of a mile west of Llanallgo church., Arch. Camb., third series, vol. i. p. 25.

It has been thought sufficient as an indication of the position of the several remains enumerated in the foregoing list, to state the parish, and the pai't of the island, soiith, north, east or west, in which each cromlech is situated.