The Glamorgan-Gwent Archaeological Trust
Historic Environment Record
 

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Buarth Y Gaer

Primary Reference Number (PRN) : 00648w
Trust : Glamorgan Gwent
Community : Briton Ferry
Unitary authority : Neath Port Talbot
NGR : SS7658293600
Site Type (preferred type first) : Bronze Age Round barrow
Status : Scheduled Monument

Summary :
Situated on the summit of a prominent hill, within the fortifications of the Buarth y Gaer hillfort (planned by RCAHMW 1975 vol 1ii, 25). It consists of a circular mound entirely covered in grass, with a rectangular cutting made through the middle.

Description :
Situated on the summit of a prominent hill, within the fortifications of the Buarth y Gaer hillfort (planned by RCAHMW 1975 vol 1ii, 25). It consists of a circular mound entirely covered in grass, with a rectangular cutting made through the middle; the cutting measures 3.6m E-W x 2.9m and is c1.0m deep (extending below ground level) with a curved extension which is not so deep continuing to the W. RCAHMW interprets the area of the mound to the W of the extension to the hole as a spoil heap thrown up when the main hole was dug. Some large blocks of sandstone, quartzite and quartz conglomerate (up to 0.5m across) are visible to the W of the hole, and some smaller blocks of red sandstone (<0.3m) within it. 11.6m diameter, c0.8m high GGAT 72 Prehistoric Funerary and Ritual Sites survey 2001.

See plan in RCAHMW 1976b, 25
(1956) The cairn has a diameter of 10.0m and a height of 0.7m. It has been mutilated. ( Source 02 )
(1964/1976) On the summit of Mynydd y Gaer, E of Briton Ferry at 313m above OD. A circular mound 13.1m in diameter and 0.9m high. Robbing has resulted in a central crater 0.9m deep and a break through the W side of the mound, with a spoil heap thrown out to the W side. The cairn stands within the hillfort of Buarth y Gaer . ( Source 01 )
(1978) No change ( Source 04 )
(1986) The cairn is as described by RCAHMW. It is quite clear that quite large stones were used in its construction and some of these are scattered nearby.
(1991) Some stones on the cairn appear to have moved slightly, othersare now hidden in the grass which may be a seasonal effect. There are some old sheep scrapes in the centre of the barrow. The cairn lies in rough pasture.. Grass covered and it would appear to have a stony core.
(1997) The cairn remains as it was seen in 1991. ( Source 08 )

Sources :
02/ MM Record card/ OS/// 1956/ SS 79 SE 28/
03/ MM Record card/ OS/// 1978/
04/ MM Record card/ OS/// 1978/ SS 79 SE 28/
05/ MM Air photo/ Westair/// 1979/ 29160/ GGAT 679w
06/ MMAP/ GGAT/ Parkhouse J./ 10.8.87// A55 15,17-19, 26, 28
07/ MMAP RCAHM// 1992// A 117-32
01/ PM list/ RCAHM/// 1976/ Glam Invent/ p 81 No. 249
08/ MM Desc text/ CADW/ Burnham/ HB/ 1997//
01/Desc Text/Cadw/ Full Management Report/2006/ Copy in further information file

Events :

Related records
National Monuments Record NPRN 94539
GGAT Historic Environment Record (HER) 679w

Compiled date :


Images :



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