CoralJackz

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

This prehistoric monument sits below the village of Llanglydwen in Carmarthenshire. Situated on an ancient path in a secluded forest, its huge capstone points towards the nearby river Taf, which you can hear flowing below the trees.

An old Welsh tale set during the days of King Arthur tells of Ceridwen and Taleisin. Welsh poetry refers to the goddess of transformation, rebirth and inspiration – Ceridwen – as possessing the cauldron of “poetic inspiration”, called Awen.

This legendary story tells that Ceridwen set to brew in her magical cauldron, a mixture that would grant the gift of wisdom and poetic inspiration, Awen, for her son Morfran. The mixture was to be boiled for a year and a day. One day when the brew was almost finished, her young servant Gwion Bach was stirring the concoction and three drops of the liquid splashed onto his thumb. He instinctively put his thumb to his mouth and gained the wisdom and knowledge that Ceridwen had intended for her son. In his fear of Ceridwens anger, Gwion fled.. with Ceridwen chasing after him.

We have a video covering the folklore and history of this site and the name on our Youtube..

youtu.be/OZBEWy9Zum4?si=1Xl4tWr8hhV0E_qd