Gwynedd Archaeological
Trust Regional Historic Environment Record
Burial Chamber, Possible, Maen Chwyf
Primary Reference Number (PRN) : 2104 Trust : Gwynedd Community : Rhosybol Unitary authority : Ynys Mon NGR : SH43268574 Site Type (preferred type first) : NEOLITHIC CHAMBERED TOMB Status : Scheduled Monument
Summary : The mound known as Maen Chwyf burial chamber is situated on an outcrop. There appears to be a large capstone, 3.6m long by 2.7m wide, supported by several smaller stones partially standing in the gorse thicket surrounding the site.
Although the site is a scheduled ancient monument, the interpretation of it as a burial chamber has been questioned. What has been identified as the capstone and main supporting stones do not appear to be the right shape or proportions. It is now considered more likely that the mound is a natural feature.
Description : Maen Chwyf. <1>
The position of two stones beneath the principal stone (12ft by 9ft) and the flat under-surface of the principal stone suggest that this is possibly a collapsed megalithic burial chamber. <2>
Maen Chwyf stands on an outcrop about 310 yards away from Llys Einion standing stone (2103). Other stones, some apparently set up, are round about. (RCAHMW, 1937)
Maen Chwyf consists of a large capstone some 4m long and 3m wide, supported approximately 1m above the ground by several small semi-recumbent orthostats. These stones, probably the remains of a burial chamber, are enclosed in a dense gorse thicket. <4>
Identification of this site as a burial chamber requires substantiation. <5>
Maen Chwyf (orthography). <6>
Maen Chwyf. Probably a natural feature, it being indistinguishable from neighbouring heaps of boulders. <7>
The site is as described by Davidson. This is probably a collapsed burial chamber, support stones being plainly visible at either end. Doubt may have arisen because the capstone is of unusual shape and is not flat-bottomed. Excavation would probably be necessary to determine absolutely that the site is an authentic burial chamber. <9>
See quote from Griffiths John E/1900/ The Cromlechs of Anglesey and Caernarfon on FMW 107 1992 SAM AN076 <11>
Main stone 4m x 2.20 x 1.40. Collapsed support? 2m x 1.40. The supposed support stone is of a rounded outline which makes it less likely that it was an orthostat. The supposed capstone is also immensely thick and somewhat bevelled underneath which would have made it difficult to support. (Smith, 2003)
