The following is quoted from Gregory, Donald., Country Churchyards In Wales, (2002); (2015), pp. 223-224:
“There is no churchyard in Wales where there is a longer history of burial or where there is so obvious an example of the continuity of the religious use of one particular site. … All the churches built in this place, from the earliest religious settlement in the llan to the present early nineteenth century edifice, have stood inside a Bronze Age alignment of stones. This calculated choice of sites by early Christians adds weight to the arguments of those who believe that in former times great importance was attached to the magic powers associated with circles. … the present-day churchyard wall at Ysbyty Cynfyn contains five stones that belonged to a Bronze Age circle, of which probably three are still in their original positions, the other two having at some time been moved to act as gate posts. There are no ifs or buts about Ysbyty Cynfyn, which provides an impressive example of the continuity of religious association in a burial ground.”
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This Neolithic cromlech on Strumble Head is quite unique with its interesting markings on the capstone. Of course, they are likely to be natural.. However, the reasoning as to why this stone was chosen for the monument has interested explorers and antiquarians for centuries.
Richard Fenton’s account from ‘A Historical Tour Through Pembrokeshire’ written in 1810, is as follows:
“The side to the west of Carn Culhwch seemed to have been appropriated to druidical ceremonies from the many Cromlechs, some overturned, and some in their original position.
There is one more remarkable than the rest; a large unshapen mass of serpentine, fifteen feet by eight, and two and a half average thickness; under the edges of it are placed nine or ten small pointed upright stones, imbedded in a strong pavement, extending for some way round. These small supporters are fixed without any regard to their height, as only two or three bear the whole weight of the incumbent stone, one of which is so pressed by it, as to have become almost incorporated with it.
On the upper surface of the Cromlech are three considerable excavations near the centre, probably intended to have received the blood of the victim, or waters for purification, if (as it is the most general opinion) they were used as altars... this stone has a small inclination to the north-east. Its height from the ground is very inconsiderable, being scarce one foot high on the lowest side; and on the other only high enough to admit of a person creeping under it, though once entered, the space enlarges from the upper stone having a considerable concavity.
The earth below is rich and black. ..(I have since learned that the blackness I refer to, appears to have been chiefly the effect of fire, as many bits of charcoal and rude pottery have been picked up there.”
While modern science suggests they are likely the result of natural processes, the question remains: why did our ancestors choose this particular stone? What significance did they see in these markings that we might never fully understand?
We have covered this site in full over on our Youtube channel if you’d like to learn more – CoralJackz