Showing 1-20 of 367 miscellaneous posts. Most recent first | Next 20 
Coflein description, after visit by C-PAT:
The probable site of a stone-built cairn on the prominent shoulder (Trawsnant) of Cadair Bronwen. The cairn is fairly amorphous owing to past robbing which has resulted from the creation of a C-shaped stone shelter at this location, possibly on the southern part of the cairn. No visible internal cairn structure was evident. A low rock ridge runs west from the site and probably formed the basis for the creation of the cairn. Overall dimensions of cairn are 10.5m diameter by 0.5m high; shelter measures 6m E/W by 3.5m N/S by 1.1m high.
R. Hankinson, Clwyd-Powys Archaeological Trust, 26th October 2004
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A ring cairn (maybe of Clava type) re-erected as a stone circle in parkland near Aldourie Castle. Canmore descriptions:
This site is marked on the 1870 edition of the 6-inch O.S. map as "Stone Circle (Removed from east to west side of fence)". There are eighteen stones, either boulders or split slabs, set in a circle evenly spaced except on the south-west side where the largest stone, a pointed slab 4ft 10ins high, is flanked by two small contiguous stones. In the centre lies a large flat stone. This arrangement is obviously artificial, and the stones may well come from a dismembered Clava-type tomb. It is possible that the tallest stone is in situ and it could well be one of the monoliths at such a site.
A S Henshall 1963, visited 21 April 1958
The stone circle is as described above; it measures 14.5m NE-SW x 10.0m NW-SE. See GP: AO/62/114/1. There is no evidence of a stone circle at the site at NH 60003587 shown on the O.S. map. Published 25" survey.
Visited by OS (EGC) 20 March 1962
'In Durris (ie. Dores) at the North end of Loch-Ness is a Druid temple of three concentric circles: in all of these druidical circles there was an altar stone at the centre, but that at Dirris is taken away, and near the centre is a hollowed stone, which either was a laver to wash in, or a bason(sic) to receive the blood of the sacrifice.'
T Pennent 1769
The above description, prior to the moving of the stones, seems to confirm Henshall's suggestion that this was originally a Clava-type structure, and most probably a ring-cairn.
Information from R B Gourlay (Highland Regional Archaeologist to OS) 18 March 1987
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Various cairns on Drumashie Moor. Canmore descriptions:
Cairns at NH 6329 3681
Situated on a shelf in a NW facing hillside are the remains of two cairns of earth and small stones which have been ploughed over and afforested. The W cairn measures c. 11.0m in diameter and 1.3m in height with a central depression; that to the E is c. 7.0m in diameter and 0.8m high.
Visited by OS (N K B) 23 January 1970.
Possible cairn at NH 6345 3677
AT NH 6345 3677 on the crest of a ridge, is a stony mound which has recently been ploughed through and afforested. It survives to a height of c. 0.5m and is spread to c. 11.0 m in diameter, and probably represents the remains of a cairn.
Surveyed at 1:10, 000.
Visited by OS (A A) 21 April 1970.
Cairn at NH 6383 3664
At NH 6383 3664, on a low ridge, is a robbed cairn, surviving as a stony platform c. 19.0m in diameter and c. 0.5m high with the central area relatively free of stones.
Surveyed at 1/10,000.
Visited by OS (N K B) 2 Feburary 1970.
Kerb cairn at NH 6293 3600
At NH 6293 3600 on a false crest overlooking a settlement (NH63NW 25) and cairn (NH63NW 18) are the remains of a cairn, entirely overgrown with whins, which was discovered by Mr. O'Malley, GC Division, Ordnance Survey (W O'Mally, OS field surveyor, Inverness). Little cairn material can be seen, but in the NW arc is a semi-circle of seven kerb-stones set on edge, 0.7m maximum height, indicating a diameter of 5.2m. Two or three stones lying prone outside the cairn are probably displaced kerb-stones.
Surveyed at 1/10,000.
Visited by OS (N K B) 11 September 1970.
Cairn at NH 6306 3593
The cairn published on OS 6", survives as a mutilated mound of stones on the spine of a low ridge measuring c. 8.5m in diameter and 0.3m high. No kerbstones or cist are evident. The second "cairn" 20.0m to the SW, noted by Woodham is scattered tumble from a ruined wall.
Divorced survey at 1/10,000
Visited by OS (N K B) 17 April 1970.
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Hut circles strung out alongside General Wade's Road across Drumashie Moor, to the NW of Loch Ashie. Canmore details:
Hut circle at NH 6365 3684
At NH 6365 3684 on a ridge in cleared woodland there is a stone-walled circular hut and an associated field system.
The hut measures c. 11.5m in diameter between the centres of a mutilated wall of indeterminate thickness. In the S is an arc of stones set on edge, uncertainly the inner or outer face. Another stone across the wall in the ENE may indicate the entrance passage, but there is no corresponding break in the wall.
A field measuring about 75.0m by 40.0m on the E side of the hut is bounded by a field wall which springs from the hut c. 1.5m N of the possible entrance and rejoins it in the S arc. The field system is comprised mainly of field walls with occasional stone clearance heaps. (Visible on OS air photograph 67.198.006)
Visited by OS (N K B) 2 Feburary 1970.
Three hut circles centred at NH 631 360
Centred at NH 631 360 on an undulating SE-facing hillside, is a settlement of three stone-walled huts (A - C) and an associated field system. (All measurements of huts are given between wall centres.)
Hut 'A' measures c. 11.0m in diameter with a wall spread to c. 2.0m all round. Only one outer facing stone is visible, in the S arc. The simple entrance in the E arc is mutilated.
'B' measures c. 13.0m NW-SE by c. 11.5m with a wall spread to c. 3.0m all round. No entrance can be seen.
'C' is c. 12.0m in diameter with a wall spread to c. 2.5m all round. Several outer facing stones are evident in the NE. Flanking the N side of the simple, mutilated entrance in the SE arc is a prostrate slab, possibly a portal stone, measuring 1.2m by 0.8m.
The field system is comprised mainly of ruined field walls, and occasional stone clearance heaps and lynchets, but details of cultivation plots have been obscured by previous afforestation.
Surveyed at 1:10,000. (Visible on OS air photograph 67.198.037.)
Visited by OS (N K B) 17 April 1970.
Finds of flint arrowheads and polished stone axehead have been found in the vicinity.
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Canmore description:
This fort occupies a rocky ridge; a sheer cliff forms the E side and the only easy access is from the SW. The highest part of the ridge has probably been surrounded by a stone wall, of which only the W half survives, enclosing a roughly-circular area measuring about 30m in diameter. The wall is 3.8m thick and stands to a height of up to 2m; the entrance is on the SW. A second wall extends from the cliff-edge on the SE to take in a terrace below the inner wall and swings in a gentle arc to end on the top of the cliff on the NE. The remains of a third line of defence can be seen on the NW, where a ditch with an outer upcast bank flanks the base of the ridge; on the N it appears as a stony band rising up the side of the ridge to join the outer wall. On the date of visit deep heather obscured what may be the SW extension of this work, located by the OS, cutting across the back of the ridge.
(USN93 156)
Visited by RCHAMS (PJD) 22 October 1992.
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Canmore description:
Non-invasive survey was carried out (above and below water) of two crannogs lying in Loch Achaidh na h-Inich. The survey demonstrated that both crannogs were primarily stone-built with one (E) having visible in situ timbers present. Loose timbers were also present in some numbers, scattered about the loch floor. Many timbers showed evidence for working, with both shaped planks and cut notches present. Recommendations were made regarding future draw-down of water for domestic use and preservation of the crannog structure. No dating evidence was recovered.
Report lodged with NTS SMR.
Sponsor: Scott Wilson Scotland Ltd.
M Wildgoose 2003.
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Canmore descriptions:
At NG 8188 3147, above a low crag known as Carn na Sean-chreige, overlooking Loch Achaidh na h-Inich, there are the much reduced remains of a galleried fort.
It is sub-rectangular on plan measuring c. 30.0m NW-SE by 28.0m transversely within a wall robbed to its lowest courses. The wall is generally 3.9m in thickness, and faced externally with large blocks. Within the wall are traces of a 'stabilising' wall, surviving at one point in the NE to three courses and 0.9m in height. Near the NW corner is part of a gallery, c. 1.0m in height and 0.9m in width, with one stone roof lintel still in situ. Traces of another gallery are visible in the NE side. The SW side has almost completely slipped over the crag, and is marked by a scatter of loose stones only. The entrance is placed centrally in the NE side; it is 1.4m in width and one door check survives. The interior is featureless and has been recently afforested. (cf. Dun Liath, Skye: NG 37 SE2).
Surveyed at 1/10,00.
Visited by OS (A A) 6 April 1970.
Both door checks of the entrance are now visible 1.3m along the passage from the outer wall face. The passage is 1.3m wide, expanding to 1.6m beyond the door checks.
Revised at 1/10,000.
Visited by OS (A A) 21 May 1974.
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Canmore descriptions:
At NG 8363 4064 there is a cairn measuring 11.5m in diameter and 1.0m in maximum height with its NW perimeter crossed by a field dyke. In the centre there is a slight hollow with a large slab beside it to the W., probably the cap-stone of a cist of which one end-stone and a side stone are visible. Two or three stones of a retaining kerb can be seen on the E side.
Visited by OS (A C) 11 August 1965.
The slabs are the E and S slabs of the cist which is oriented NNE-SSW. The cairn is in a poor condition and has been partly robbed, probably to build the old dyke which crosses its N margin.
Visited by OS (A A) 22 May 1974.
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Coflein description:
Superficially a 5m wide, 2m-3m deep rock shelter, the cave can in fact be traced back through a narrow opening as a passage 20m or so in length. It proved to contain a sequence of deposits, possibly several metres in thickness, filling the cave almost to its roof, though the sequence had been disturbed by an ancient badger set.
Partial examination produced evidence of early-mesolithic occupation from a scree deposit overlying the Pleistocene deposit. There is potential for recovery of undisturbed palaeolithic material at greater depth.
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Coflein description:
Set in a small limestone crag, above the sea cliffs, excavation of this cave in 1861 and 1969 produced both Palaeolithic flint tools and pleistocene fauna (remains of).
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Coflein description shows that the barrow yielded some great finds (wonder where they are now?):
Ploughed down round barrow survives as a low stony mound about 20m across and no more than 0.3m high in diameter and standing to no more than 0.75m high.
Upon excavation (1957?) a primary unaccompanied crouched burial was found, with a jet necklace and many other beads higher up in the body of the mound.
Coflein also lists a standing stone close by at Llong station, but indicates (1999) that it has been destroyed.
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Two cairns south of the Garreg Las ridge. Coflein descriptions:
Carn Fadog (SN76861721)
Located on a high point overlooking the Afon Twrch, the damaged cairn now measures 11m in diameter and 1.5m high. The centre has been hollowed out to form a shooting hide or shelter.
visited DJP 15.1.87
Nant-y-Llyn (SN76701784)
A cairn is situated on a low col to the W of Nant y Llyn. It consists of a mound of unsorted rubble consolidated with turf and measures 6m in diameter and 0.3m high. The mound is badly spread to the E and encroached upon by the surrounding peat.
Lying on the mound is a large stone (NPRN 84984) which measures 2m long, 0.4m thick, 1.1m wide at its E end and 0.7m wide at its W end. This is perhaps the `menhir' mentioned by Cantrill (auth 1) though there is no evidence that it was ever upright.
DJP 15.1.87
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Coflein description:
Remains of three burial cairns on the summit of Trichrug hill. The cairns are circular on plan. The northeasternmost cairn (item A, SN69972299) which is the largest and best preserved, measures about 18m in diameter and up to 2m in height.
The central cairn (item B, SN69942295) measures about 12m in diameter and up to 0.3m in height.
The southwestermost cairn (item C, SN69902292) measures about 12m in diameter and up to 1m in height. Stone has been robbed from the cairns and used to construct the overlying drystone march wall.
Source: Cadw scheduling description. F.Foster/RCAHMW 16.08.2006
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The OS 1/25000 shows three distinct cairns here. There are certainly more than that, but Coflein's 37 includes plenty that aren't obviously visible. However, at least two of the cairns are more interesting than Coflein's descriptions would have you believe.
One appears to be a ring cairn (or at least denuded kerbed cairn), with a very clear arc of boulders on its eastern side. Another is built around a large slab (presumably natural).
Coflein description:
A cairnfield comprising at least 37 stony mounds is situated on a north-facing hillside between the Sawdde Fechan stream and the Afon Ceulan, at elevations of between 270m and 320m above O.D.
The cairns are roughly concentrated in two broad bands at the north and south ends of the site, separated by a narrow relatively cairn-free area. This area is a gently sloping terrace c.80m wide.
The cairns vary in shape and size, some being little more than stony scatters. Others are circular or oval mounds of unsorted stones and boulders, consolidated with light vegetation. They measure between 1.5m and 7m across, averaging 0.3m high (maximum 0.6m). Four typical examples, two from each part of the group, are located as follows: SN75642092 and SN75732087; SN75772101 and SN75722105. The site is flanked on the west by two short linear piles.
To the east, in the region of a track (and beyond), the ground becomes very stony as it falls steeply into the cutting of the Sawdde Fechan. A number of stone piles were identified amongst the clitter but it is not clear if these are naturally formed or artificial.
Surveyed at 1:1000 (drawing NAS 44)
David Leighton, RCAHMW, 11 January 2001
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Pastscape description:
Pen-twyn Camp is a small work of no great strength and appears to have been roughly oval in plan. The defences on the W consist of a double rampart and ditches, the inner rampart being the weaker. On the S there are now no defences, but the line is preserved approximately by the present hedge. On the N and E there is a scarp of about 8ft in height to the inner enclosure, but no remains of ramparts or ditches.
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Two round barrows on Milton Hill. Coflein descriptions:
Milton Hill I (SO24695007)
9.0m in diameter and 0.8m high, possibly ditched.
Milton Hill II (SO24715000)
mutilated, 8.5m by 7.0m and 0.9m high.
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Coflein description:
A mutilated barrow, 11m in diameter and 0.75m high, opened, producing bones, burnt clay and possibly charcoal.
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Groups of cairns on the highest, eastern part of the Cefn Bryn ridge, above the Nicholaston long barrow. Some appear to be small clearance cairns. Coflein descriptions (west to east):
Cairn above Penrice (SS50008972)
A cairn, 7.0m in diameter and 0.3m high.
Cefn Bryn, above Walterstone Farm Cairn I (SS50218954)
Irregular cairn, 12.5m by 10.7m and 0.4m, with prominent stones at E.
Cefn Bryn, above Walterstone Farm Cairn II (SS50328959)
Cairn 3.0m in diameter and 0.4m high.
Cefn Bryn, above Walterstone Farm Cairn III (SS50328960)
Cairn 5.2m in diameter and 0.3m high.
Cefn Bryn, above Walterstone Farm Cairn IV (SS50348965)
Cairn, 4.6m in diameter and 0.4m high.
Cefn Bryn, above Walterstone Farm Cairn V (SS50398962)
Ring cairn? 16.8m in diameter and 0.3m high.
Cefn Bryn, above Walterstone Farm Cairn VI (SS50418957)
Cairn, 3.7m in diameter and 0.3m high.
Cefn Bryn, above Walterstone Farm Cairn VII (SS50428955)
Cairn, 7.0m by 2.8m.
Cefn Bryn, above Walterstone Farm Cairn VIII (SS50438953)
Cairn 4.6m by 2.8m.
Talbot Road, Cairn I (SS50758920)
A ring cairn, or cairn rim, 13.4m in diameter and 0.3m high. A second, similar cairn lies immediately to the N (Nprn305592), and further cairns recorded c.90m to the W (Ggat Prn02237W) and c.75m to the E (Ggat Prn02234W), may be amongst the four additional cairns noted by Grimes in 1939.
Talbot Road, Cairn II (SS50758921)
A ring cairn, or cairn rim, 7.9-8.2m in diameter and 0.3m high.
Nicholaston Hall Cairn (SS50948894)
A cairn, 6.4m in diameter and 0.6m high, set on a shelf on a S facing hillslope.
Cefn Bryn East Ring Cairn (SS51918922)
A possible ring cairn defined by a stony penannular 0.6m high ring bank measuring 9m in overall diameter, 4.5m internally, apparently partly cut into rising ground on the SE. There are opposing gaps in the bank on the WNW and ESE. The site is rendered indistinct due to overgrowth of gorse and bracken. Entranced ring cairns are a feature of Cefn Bryn (some have been excavated by A.H.Ward). However, this one lies in close proximity to two burnt mounds (300047-8) which raises the possibility that the ring feature had a function connected with them; some kind of shelter or dwelling for example.
Cefn Bryn E cairn (SS52068889)
A kerbed cairn, 13.4m in diameter and 0.4m high, with recent modifications.
Cefn Bryn Beacon I (SS52198886)
One of two possible cairns set on the E spine of Cefn Bryn, c.15m W of Beacon II (Nprn400406), subcircular, 24-5m in diameter, set upon a natural outcrop, having a shelter constructed over its S side.
Cefn Bryn Beacon II (SS52238886)
One of two possible cairns set on the E spine of Cefn Bryn, c.15m E of Beacon I (Nprn400405), subcircular, 23-4m in diameter, set upon a natural outcrop, having a small recent cairn set upon it.
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Mixed group of cairns, clustered around Maen Ceti and Cefn Bryn Great Cairn. Coflein descriptions:
Cefn Bryn Central Cairn II (SS48729081)
A round cairn, 6.0m in diameter and 0.7m high, along with Nprn305539, may be a sepulchral monument or a clearance element of field system Nprn305541.
Cefn Bryn Central Cairn I (SS48729067)
A round cairn, 6.5m in diameter and 0.4m high.
Cefn Bryn Field System (SS48759052)
Nine clearance heaps, 3.0-11m in diameter and 0.3-0.5m high, and a possible house site, possibly a further clearance feature, set on the summit and N facing slope of a rounded knoll. Two cairns, recorded as sepulchral, Nprns305539, 305540, may also be elements of this system.
Nant Freedown Ring Cairn (SS48849070)
A ring cairn, or cairn rim, 12.2m in diameter, 1.2-1.8m wide and 0.2m high, apparently classified as a ring cairn with a filled-in interior.
Great Cairn Ring Cairn I (SS49069072)
A fully excavated subcircular enclosure (see Ward 1981 (Gower 22), 47-52), c.10m by 9.0m, defined by a kerbed stony bank, c.2.0m wide and 0.4m high, having original entrances to the N and S, the last blocked in antiquity. Placed centrally in the enclosure was a pit containing charcoal, bone and organic material, thought to represent a token redeposition; two fire sites were noted against the inside of the bank.
Great Cairn Ring Cairn II (SS49069069)
A fully excavated subcircular enclosure (see Ward 1982 (Gower 23), 54-9), 10.8m by 10.7m overall, defined by a stoney bank, kerbed internally, 1.2-3.0m wide and 0.4-0.6m high; a small pit immediately within the NE bank was sealed by a slab; the single S entrance had been deliberately blocked and an attempt made to continue the kerbing across its site, subsequent to this the interior of the enclosure had been filled with stones.
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Extensive group of cairns on the western end of the Cefn Bryn ridge (west of the 154m trig point). Coflein descriptions:
Little Hillend Barrow (SS47919058)
A cairn, 5.0m in diameter and 0.3-0.1m high, disturbed on the S. Thought to be sepulchral rather than a clearance feature.
Stonwold E Cairn (SS48089047)
A cairn, 7.0m in diameter and 0.2m high, set on a false crest facing N.
Stonwold E Ring Cairn (SS48169037)
A cairn-rim, or ring cairn, 14.3m in diameter, 1.5m wide and 0.2m high, mutilated to the ESE.
Cefn Bryn SW Cairn (SS48559039)
A fragmentary circular bank, 14m in diameter, 3.0m wide and 0.4m high, thought to be a cairn-rim, although possibly a ring cairn.
Cefn Bryn W Cairn (SS48589051)
A cairn, 10m in diameter and 0.7m high, having four earthfast stones, c.1.0m high, set about its perimeter.
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Showing 1-20 of 367 miscellaneous posts. Most recent first | Next 20 |
Twin interests are music and prehistory - music obviously includes Mr Cope, but wide variety of other things including Durutti Column, New Order/Joy Division, Billy Bragg, Smiths, Chameleons, Cardiacs, 50s rock'n'roll, etc. Many hols (and every opportunity) spent dragging very patient girlfriend to see vaguely discernable stone lumps obscured by mud and vegetation, particularly in West Penwith, also the Peak District and Herefordshire/Shropshire. Used to live in Yorkshire (Blakey Topping and High Bridestones being favourites) now live in Gloucestershire and pining for stone circles. Also blaming TMA in general and Gladman in particular for increasing levels of obsession where Wales is concerned. And now also blaming Drewbhoy for the urge to move to Drewland, RSC Central. No car (and can't drive) so sites are visited by public transport and on foot, which is still just about possible, despite the efforts of our beloved government to reduce/stop less profitable services by cutting funding everywhere. Appreciate a nice pint after a hard day's stone spotting (particularly in the Tinners Arms at Zennor).
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