Gwynedd Archaeological
Trust Regional Historic Environment Record
Burial Chamber, Glyn, Benllech
Primary Reference Number (PRN) : 3602 Trust : Gwynedd Community : Llanfair-Mathafarn-Eithaf Unitary authority : Ynys Mon NGR : SH51428172 Site Type (preferred type first) : NEOLITHIC CHAMBERED TOMB Status : Scheduled Monument
Description : In May 1909 the chamber was excavated, but it soon became evident that treasure seekers had cleaned out the whole of the chamber. As it seems useless to continue operations, work was abandoned, but as some clearing had been done a few points could be noted. Only the S supporter remained in position. It rests on the limestone rock and is about 20in high. The only other visible support is by some built up stones opposite the entrance, not a usual method for supporting the capstone. <1>
A single undivided burial chamber, mainly formed from a natural hollow in the rock to which additional height has been given by inserted limestone blocks, on which rests the large coverstone, 7 1/2ft by 14 1/4ft, now broken into two. The W end of the chamber and part of the N and S sides are obscured by a filling of stone and earth. A slight rise of ground about the structure may represent the remains of a covering mound. Condition: fair. (RCAHMW, 1937)
SH 51428172 Burial chamber (LB). <3>
As described. Published survey 25" revised. <4>
Somewhat overgrown (by blackthorn) burial chamber in a rather straggly hedge next to a field boundary. Capstone 3.6 + 1m broken off x 1.6 to 0.6 x 0.8 thick, - limestone. The capstone is elongated and has fallen from its supports on the western side. 1m of the north side has broken off. It is supported on the north by a limestone upright and partially on the south by a large block. The chamber is open beneath the widest part of the capstone and filled with stone and sand beneath the broken portion and the west end. A slight rise in the field around the stones could be the remains of a 14m diameter mound. Siting: On the eastern edge of a limestone terrace now defined by the field wall. Site visible from all but the uphill north west. (Smith, 2003)
The monument comprises the remains of a burial chamber, probably dating to the Neolithic (c. 4400 - 2900 BC). It is located in an enclosed field of pasture on a gentle SE-facing slope at the edge of a limestone terrace. The construction is unusual as the capstone appears to have been levered from the bedrock and propped up by low stones at its outer edge. The capstone has broken into three pieces and rests above a partially collapsed chamber. The capstone measures c.4.6m long, up to 2.8m wide and 0.8m thick. It is aligned E-W. The central section stands to a height of 1.4m. A slight rise in the ground around the burial chamber represents the remains of the covering mound. It is circular and measures c.14m in diameter. Part of the chamber was excavated in 1909.
The monument's importance is further enhanced by its unusual construction and its proximity to Benllech Megalith, which is located c.850m NW. <7>
Glyn, Llanbedrgoch. — This is in a field on Glyn Farm, on the left hand of a bye-lane leading to Llanbedrgoch from the main road from Pentraeth to Llanallgo. It is not of a very distinct type, and is now embedded in the earth. As Mr. J. E. Griffith points out, it is not recorded in the Ordnance Map or the Arch. Camb. The precise features of this cromlech, if it be one, are uncertain (Anwyl, 1908)
