Gwynedd Archaeological
Trust Regional Historic Environment Record
Capel Garmon Burial Chamber, Bro Garmon
Primary Reference Number (PRN) : 4650 Trust : Gwynedd Community : Bro Garmon Unitary authority : Conwy NGR : SH81795431 Site Type (preferred type first) : NEOLITHIC CHAMBERED TOMB Status : Snowdonia National Park
Summary : Excavated in 1925 by W.J.Hemp, Capel Garmon burial chamber is a well-preserved example of the Cotswold-Severn group of tombs, unusual in north Wales but common in southern Powys. It consists of two circular burial chambers of which only one capstone survives, built in a post-and-panel technique characteristic of the Cotswold area. A false portal at the front of the monument may have provided a backdrop to ceremonies carried out in the forecourt area. The chambers are entered from a passage opening onto the south side.
The tomb was used as a stable during the 19th century and, as a result, not many bones were found during the excavation. Sherds of late Neolithic (Beaker) pottery indicate, however, that the tomb remained in use into the beginning of the 2nd millennium BC.
Description : As described in MOW pamphlet. Re-surveyed at 1:2500. <1>
Well illustrated description of the site and excavation. <3>
Excavation and conservation at Capel Garmon chambered tomb 1989, M. J. Yates and M. Jones. <6>
Old HER refers to part excavation by J. Evans in 1853. No further information provided (reference may be taken from Funerary and Ritual Monuments project report.) <9>
As previously described, structurally. Set on a low, west-facing slope but with the 'blind' entrance facing to the east, into the slope with only very local view. The situation generally is very enclosed with the only prospect over the rocky marshy basin to the west. The edge of the basin and rocky knolls within the basin provide better drained areas where settlement and agriculture could have been. The western orientation also points distantly directly towards Moel Siabod a dramatic and isolated peak from this aspect. (Smith, 2002)
Illustrations of the Burial Chamber at Capel Garmon (Hemp, 1927).
Description and plan of Capel Garmon Burial Chamber (Evans, 1856).
Brief description with measurements of burial chamber (Anon, 1882).
