Latest Miscellany

The cupmark is on a low earthfast boulder a little to the north of the standing stone. I found it accidentally while looking for the arrow stones, having had no idea it existed.

Gwynedd Archaeological Trust description:

A flat-topped, ground-fast boulder with a single large cup marked on top. Cup mark 8cm dia and 3cm deep, max rather large and flat bottomed compared to most and poss therefore not of same origin and date as most cup marks. The stone is very close to the cross-roads of tracks at the Bwlch and may be associated with the tracks. Boulder c.1.2m long and wide and 0.4m high. (Hopewell and Smith, 2010)

The cairn is located a little to the east of the high point of Garreg Fawr. It’s not shown on the OS map.

Coflein description:

A grass-covered, circular cairn measuring approximately 6m in diameter and 0.3m in height. It is built using tightly-packed, small to medium sub-round stones. It is possible that the cairn had a funerary function, but it could equally be a small hut circle. The AP mapping does show an enclosure and hut circle at this location. However, no evidence of an enclosure could be seen on the ground. 2004.02.12/OAN/PJS

The 1956 Royal Commission record classed this as an arrow stone:

Arrow stone on the W side of track near Ffridd Newydd, on natural boulder 7ft by 3ft 8 inches. On upper surface of stone are groups of parallel cuts from 10-18cm long.

However, Coflein’s 2004 record is not so sure the markings on this stone are even artificial (unlike Arrow Stone II):

A stone on the west side of the track near Ffridd Newydd. It is a natural boulder measuring 2m by 1m and on the upper surface of the stone are groups of parallel cuts from 10-18cm long.

The features on this stone are due to natural geological weathering, often found on basaltic rocks.

Some random thoughts...

Though there’s nothing at all to see on the ground here, the scheduling as an ancient monument may hopefully protect the site from the encroaching caravan sites to the Northeast, and the new housing on the edge of Hornsea to the South.

The Neolithic and Bronze Age landscape here was very different to how it is today. Back then it was more like the fens; marshy, with shallow freshwater lakes or “meres”, of which Hornsea Mere is the last remaining example. There was at least one more mere at Hornsea – during the 1970s the peat bed of it was briefly revealed after some lively tides. I remember going to the beach with my Dad and walking on the smooth, springy bed, and taking home a piece of wood which had been preserved in it for thousands of years.

Hornsea is also less than five miles from the vast Bronze Age mound at Skipsea Brough, which when repurposed as a castle motte in early medieval times stood separated from its bailey at the centre of Skipsea Mere, and sometimes still is after heavy rain. Another prehistoric lake bed can be seen as a layer of peat and wooden fragments in the low cliffs on Skipsea Beach (the best access from Mr Moo’s Ice Cream!)

I’d guess one attraction of the marshy fens of North Holderness to our Neolithic ancestors would be the abundance of fish in the meres, a useful and immediate source of food. Maybe the henge was connected with this – a site for ceremony before setting out, or for celebrating the catch? Is it too much to see the site as an outpost of the Gypsy Race culture? Skipsea lies a couple of miles to the South of the Southern edge of the Yorkshire Wolds, so it’s feasible that some of the folk living there may have ventured from the relative highlands of their chalk hills and valleys into the less hospitable wet flatlands.

GGAT description:

Situated just below local summit. Heap of stones, mainly rounded pieces of quartzite 0.3m across (commoners report that stone in immediate vicinity is slabby, so this must have been brought in). The edges of the monument are unclear; overgrown with grass. c7.2m diameter; c0.2m high GGAT 72 Prehistoric Funerary and Ritual Sites survey 2001.

If approaching from the east, whether or not you’ve attempted to seek out the Pen-y-Dderi cairn in its bog, you’ll pass a modern standing stone memorial to John Dyfnallt Owen, Archdruid of the National Eisteddfod of Wales (1954 – 1956).

Coflein descriptions of the three denuded cairns:

Western cairns

Two probable cairns: I – at SN73150878, GGAT Prn00490W, a slightly raised, 7m diameter, stony patch; II – at SN77130877, GGAT Prn02667W, thought to be the robbed and elongated remains of a cairn, 10m by 6m. Both these monuments and Nprn304570 [the eastern cairn] are thought to have been robbed to construct field walls.

Eastern cairn (SN7331008920)

A circular stony patch, 10.7m in diameter, believed to be the base of a robbed cairn.

The GGAT records also indicated a nearby fallen standing stone, just to the SE of the cairns in a field wall at SN7325708775.

It now lies on one long face, with what would have been the base still embedded in the bank which has been built up over it after the stone fell. It consists of a large block of sandstone of rectangular section; the long faces are shouldered, with the width at the top diminishing from 1.35m at what would have been the bottom to 0.6m at what would have been the top. The bedding planes of the sandstone can be seen in the short faces. What is now the lower side of the monument and would have been its NE face is embedded in the ground towards the bank, but the other (previously upper) end is propped clear, since the outer bedding planes on this side have come away, making the monument thinner at this point. A large triangular slab of sandstone also protrudes from the same side of the bank adjacent to the standing stone, but is probably not connected with it. Section 1.35x>0.6m; orig height c3.85m GGAT 72 Prehistoric Funerary and Ritual Sites survey 2001.

(1964/1976) On Cefn Gwrydd, a ridge N of Pontardawe, at about 295m above OD. A rectangular monolith, now on the NE side of a field bank , leaning so heavily to the E as to be almost recumbent. It is 1.4m wide by 0.5m thick, and when upright must have been at least 4m high. The stone must have been in its present position for a considerable time, as the field bank has been built over its base.

GGAT description, GGAT 72 Prehistoric Funerary and Ritual Sites survey 2001:

On a fairly level area at the base of sloping ground falling to SE; now much less clear than described by previous fieldworkers.

In 1962 is was described by RCAHMW as ‘A ring cairn, 11.6 – 12.8 m in external diameter, consisting of a bank of stones 1.8 – 2.5 m wide and 0.3 m high [and an] inner kerb of upright slabs survive[ing] for a short distance on the W. The top of a single small upright is visible near the centre. A stony area 6.1m by 4.6 m adjoining the N. side of the cairn is probably the result of disturbance.‘

Now very indistinct; bank (c3m across) survives only at N and E, with possible slight indications at N and E, but peters out on S side; interior slightly dished. Entirely grass-covered, with profile confused by many small hummocks; two blocks of sandstone (0.6/0.7m across) visible at SE, and a scatter of very small blocks (0.1m). 13.8 (E-W); 0.5m high

A complex crop mark site within an arable field, first identified in 2010. The focus of the scheduling is a clear circular feature that is interpreted as being a Neolithic henge. This is set within and respected by a field system, suggesting that the henge was reused in the late Bronze Age as a ringwork: a high status domestic enclosure, a site type also known as a Springfield style enclosure. The core of the surrounding field system is also included in the scheduling.

(Entry from Historic England website historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1423379)

Sometimes, you just don’t want to know the truth do you. But I’m good at believing several incompatible things at once. So I think I can retain heart and inspiration from the fossil sea urchin illustration. But whilst now discovering that it is a Lie!!

James F. Dyer wrote to the Luton News (12 August, 1954) to explain. He says the Five Knolls used to be ten knolls. In 1887 two of them were completely levelled by a “steam cultivator.” Worthington Smith excavated those two, and in 1890 he gave a lecture about them. It sounds like he wasn’t even there when the bones were uncovered and the farm labourers had already cleared lots away. WS said in the lecture, “Now the girl who was buried on the Downs had twelve of these (fossilised sea urchins) buried with her, presumably to preserve her in her sleep from the attacks of demons. In the earth that was thrown out of the entire tumulus, 91 additional fossil ‘echini’ were found.”

So all those other sea urchins might just have been naturally in the soil. How dull. But that would be a lot of sea urchins, surely?

Dyer goes on: “As my friend Leslie Grinsell (undoubtedly the leading authority on barrows in Britain) has said, ‘The essential fact regarding the ritual behind placing even a dozen micrasters in the grave remains unaltered; they were obviously regarded as possessing some protective power, about which new light may be forthcoming after the Barton Barrow excavations in September. But that Smith’s drawing has taken considerable licence, there is no doubt, and that in none of the four copies of the drawing published in his life-time, did he attempt to make it clear that the drawing was merely an imaginative reconstruction’.”

Well. It’s a bloody good drawing. Even if I feel somewhat let down.

For many years what remained of the stone circle called the Soldiers Trench on Brackenhall Green, Shipley Glen, had been difficult to find with the result that the tens of thousands of visitors who annually pass that way were ignorant of this interesting prehistoric relic. When the Bradford Corporation Parks Department demolished a large rockery nearby in the autumn of 1952 it was suggested that the boulders from it be placed around the circle in such a way that it would become apparent to anyone. A full report on the project would be published in due course, so that no one could be in any doubt as to which boulders formed part of the original circle and which were the subsequent additions.

The late Mr W.P. Winter had told Mr Sidney Jackson in the 1930s that the rockery in question had been made from boulders taken from the circle, but as it was not known from which particular spot each one was taken it was obvious that to replace them on the line of the actual circle would only lead to confusion, and it was therefore decided to construct a false circle around what remained of the original at a distance of three to four feet.

The local archaeology group moved the stones into position (juniors dug the holes, men moved the stones, and the ladies backfilled the earth and replaced the turf, division of labour you see).

Info found in the ‘Shipley Times and Express’ for 15th September 1954.

The Ordnance Survey (1:25000) map shows the mound just to the northeast of the summit of Tomle as a “pile”. The CPAT record suggests it as a “clearance cairn”.

Whatever stonework might be under the turf is hidden. The mound is approximately circular and it would seem a strange place for a clearance cairn. Although its antiquity is unproven, my money would be on this being a round barrow or cairn, especially given the proximity of a definite example (Bwlch Maen Gwynedd Cairn) at the foot of Craig Berwyn to the west.

There are a number of other “mounds” shown on OS map along this ridge, I didn’t see the one to the northwest at SJ0818633759 on my visit.

This is a small round cairn crowning the ridge overlooking the massive Carn Saith-wraig to the northwest. It is itself easily overlooked, but this would be a shame if you happen to be visiting the latter, since a nearby quartzite stone (and potential additional cairn) hint at a mini-prehistoric complex here.

A compendium of DAT (PRN 8528) reckons:

“A small round cairn on the highest point of a broad ridge at 461m above OD. The site consists of a rough platform of large stones....
[with] a diameter of c.8m and a height of 0.4m.... The cairn is intervisible with standing stone 9117 and another possible prehistoric cairn, 9118, to the S and SW of this site respectively. The site enjoys extensive views out down the Doethie valley and over to the Brecon Beacons.”

Standing – or rather reclining – a little distance away from the obvious Blaen Nant-y-rhiw cairn (there is apparently another possible cairn which I could not positively vouch for here, too), this is a ‘bonus’ site to be enjoyed in this wild, out of the way spot. Great, sweeping views only curtailed by forestry upon the northern arc. Combine with a visit to the wondrous Carn Saith-wraig (starting from the old church at Soar y Mynydd) and you’re onto a winner.

As with the legendary Cerrig Cyfamod Glyndwr further north upon Pumlumon, whether this represents a natural erratic... or a boulder moved to this position (there is an apparent mound beneath the stone) is a question I guess only proper excavation can answer.

DAT (PRN 9117) reckons:

“A large recumbent white quartz boulder, facing N-S, and intervisible with prehistoric cairns PRN 9118 and PRN 8528 which lie a short distance away to the SW and N respectively. The stone is situated on a small knoll which forms part of a ridge running across an undulating high plateau with extensive views, particularly in the southern sector down the Doethie valley. The view to the N is obscured by forestry. The stone measures 1.8m in length N-S, 1.15m wide at is widest point E-W and 0.7m in height at its northern end, tapering to 0.55m in height at its southern tip. Extensive views are achieved from the site which may well have enjoyed a 360 degree panorama, and the Brecon Beacons were clearly visible to the SE. NC 2001.”

I live in Salisbury and on a recent visit to the museum I has struck by the differences in size of the “archers” leg bones. That’ assuming it is a real skeleton. One leg seemed far thinner than the other so I have my doubts he could have had good enough balance to be a good archer. Not seen any other comments on this issue but be interested if anyone has other ideas.
Makes me wonder if – as discussed elsewhere – Stonehenge area was believed to have healing properties.

This, a somewhat shy, retiring monument (owing to its more or less complete grassy mantle) is nonetheless well worth engineering a horseshoe walk to visit, while also checking-out the cairns at Carn y Groes and Esgair-y-graig. The exquisite placement within the landscape is the icing on the cake, so to speak.

CPAT reckons: “This cairn is grass-covered and obscured from view but still survives relatively intact. It lies on a gentle northeast facing slope and the land dropping away to the southeast. It measures 9.0 metres [c29ft] in diameter and 0.3 metres high (Trysor, 2014).”

Now there’s always something a little more exciting – should one happen to be excited by this kind of thing – when a monument is accorded a personalised name upon OS mapping. However, that’s not to say the remains will always live up to the heightened expectations...

On balance, I reckon Castell y Garn, the remains of a ring cairn upon a c1,620ft summit between St. Harmon and Bwlch-y-Sarnau, manages to not disappoint. Reached by a stony track from the latter hamlet (including a short, sharp deviation uphill), the setting is airy and rather spectacular, with panoramic views to the Wye Valley and Cwmdeuddwr Hills to the west. The monument itself, however, is initially rather conspicuous by its apparent absence, with just a mutilated residue standing before a fence junction. Gaze beyond said fence, however, and a rather large diameter (apparent) ring cairn will be discerned.

There is no doubting the prehistoric provenance since CPAT notes:

“Williams [1858] records it as ‘a most perfect cairn accompanied with a stone chest, human bones, black earth and other corresponding appendages.’”

Sure, the cairn has clearly suffered much trauma since then, but thankfully still survives. CPAT adds:

“Site seems to be a ring cairn with a low bank 1.2m wide and 0.25m high visible most clearly in SE quadrant. Elsewhere, there is a low bank forming the outer edge, but no inner edge to the ring bank. Two fence lines cross the site and join in the middle. Although eroded in the past the threat is not so serious now as 10 years ago (CPAT, 3/8/00).”

CPAT (PRN: 1513) have this to say about this deceptively substantial cairn, scheduled in 2004:

“Artificial mound c. 9m diameter x 0.8m high, on which are what appear to be kerbstones defining a cairn 5.5m in diameter X 0.4m high, offset to south east side of the mound. A large modern cairn at west side of the Bronze Age cairn is c. 1.5m high x 2.2m diameter. Bronze Age cairn is in good condition although damaged by construction of the modern cairn. The kerb and much of the interior appear to be intact. Situated on local summit with good views to south and east”

Directions to Low Airyolland Cairn: Take the W turn to Glenluce off the A75. Turn left for New Luce after 0.2 mile. Stay on this road for c. 3.5 miles to reach a lay-by at a quarry on the right. (Parking is difficult from this point onwards so I chose to park safely and extend the walk.) Walk c. 0.25 mile N along the road to reach a gate into the Southern Upland Way path (SUW). Follow the path down to the footbridge over the Water of Luce. Turn right along the SUW for c. 130 yards to reach a grassy mound dominated by a large mature tree on the edge of the field. Low Airyolland Cairn is best viewed from the N. My walking route is viewable on Low Airyolland Cairn.

This route involves a walk of 0.25 miles along the A747 Port William road. Care should be taken: cars tend to drive fast around a sharp corner. The cross country route is an assault course: It includes crossing 3 dry stane dykes and a burn but no electric fences fortunately. Wellies are essential for this walk due to the burn crossing.

Directions to Culquhasen SE Cairn: Take the A747 Port William turn off the A75 at Glenluce. Follow the A747 for c. 4.1 miles to reach a lay-by at Auchenmalg Village Hall. Park up and walk back up the A747 for c. 0.25 mile to a gateway on the right. Turn right into the field. Follow the margin of the field to a gate in the corner after c. 130 yards. Continue along the margin of the field for c. 300 yards to reach a dry stane dyke. Cross over the dyke and continue E along the margin of the field for c. 230 yards to reach a burn. Walk c. 30 yards from the corner of the field down the burn to reach a obvious path across the burn. The bank sides are steep but you can drop carefully into the shallow water and scramble up the other side to step over a barbed wire fence. Continue E along the edge of the field for c. 200 yards to reach another stone wall. Walk c. 25 yards S down the wall to reach a water tank which makes crossing the wall easier. After another c. 130 yards there is a gate in the corner of the field. Go through the gate and climb over the stone wall into the next field. Walk E then N along the margin of the field for c. 0.3 mile to reach the NE corner of the field. Culquhasen SE Cairn is a stony mound adjacent to the dry stane dyke. My route is viewable on Culquhasen SE.

Directions to Glenchamber Cairn: Take the Three Lochs turn off Main Street in the centre of Glenluce. Follow the road for c. 4.3 miles to reach the turn off to Glenchamber Farm on the left. There is room for a car to park here. There is a gate into a field opposite the junction. Walk S for c. 200 yards to a natural knoll in the grass field. Glenchamber Cairn is on the summit of the knoll. My walking route is viewable on Glenchamber Cairn.

Directions to Carscreugh N Burnt Mound: Take the Three Lochs turn off Main Street in the centre of Glenluce. Follow the road for c. 2.7 miles to reach an entrance to Carscreugh Wind Farm on the right. There is room for a car to park here. No unauthorised vehicles are permitted in the wind farm so you can walk or cycle from here. Follow the track S for around 0.3 mile to reach a left turn just before the first wind turbine. Take the turn, follow it for c. 0.5 mile, bearing right uphill at a Y-junction. You will reach No. 11 wind turbine after c. 400 yards. Continue for c. 180 yards to a solitary gorse bush on the left. A vague sheep path heading NW starts here. The path becomes a 4x4 path heading for an obvious green island in the moorland c. 200 yards from the track. This green oasis is Carscreugh N Cairn. Walk WSW for c. 130 yards across boggy terrain to a grassy crescent shaped mound on the edge of a burn. This is Carscreugh N Burnt Mound. My walking route is viewable on Carscreugh N Cairn.

Directions to Carscreugh N Cairn: Take the Three Lochs turn off Main Street in the centre of Glenluce. Follow the road for c. 2.7 miles to reach an entrance to Carscreugh Wind Farm on the right. There is room for a car to park here. No unauthorised vehicles are permitted in the wind farm so you can walk or cycle from here. Follow the track S for around 0.3 mile to reach a left turn just before the first wind turbine. Take the turn, follow it for c. 0.5 mile, bearing right uphill at a Y-junction. You will reach No. 11 wind turbine after c. 400 yards. Continue for c. 180 yards to a solitary gorse bush on the left. A vague sheep path heading NW starts here. The path becomes a 4x4 path heading for an obvious green island in the moorland c. 200 yards from the track. This green oasis is Carscreugh N Cairn. Walk WSW for c. 130 yards across boggy terrain to a grassy crescent shaped mound on the edge of a burn. This is Carscreugh N Burnt Mound. My walking route is viewable on Carscreugh N Cairn.

Directions to Carscreugh S Cairn: Take the E Glenluce turn off the A75. There is an unsigned right turn after c. 0.1 mile. Follow this track for c. 0.4 mile then turn left for Carscreugh Wind Farm. After c. 1 mile on this narrow road you can park up at the entrance to Carscreugh Wind Farm at NX 2203 5958. Walk NE along the road to reach a small wood after c. 300 yards. There is an entrance into the field on the right c. 100 yards further on. Make your way across a bridge into the field then head S past a mature tree towards an obvious green mound in pasture. Carscreugh S Cairn is c. 70 yards S of the tree. My walking route is viewable on Carscreugh S Cairn.