Gwynedd's Mysterious Sites -------------Hauntings------------ Bryn Hall ---------------Stone Circles----------- ---------------Major Sites----------- Llanddwyn Island ---------------Legends----------- Dinas Emrys Yr Ogaf Ddu Ogaf Arthur Dinas Emrys ---------------Burial Chambers----------- Barclodiad-y-Gawres Bryn Celli Ddu ---------------Folklore----------- Bardsey Island Conway Bay Cader Idris Carn Mach Arthur Lake Bala Bedd Branwen Mount Snowdon ---------------Lost Lands----------- Carmarthen Bay Home Site Map Gwynedd Map England Map Scotland Map Wales Map Bryn Celli Ddu (Anglesey) The name of this site translates as 'the mound in the dark grove', it is a developed site, which changed in ritual use and importance during the Neolithic and Bronze age period. Archaeological excavations during 1928 - 29 revealed a complex history, the first phase of the site consisted of a henge and a circle of standing stones, constructed in the late Neolithic period. Towards the beginning of the Bronze Age the stones and the henge were replaced with a chambered burial mound. The mound - which was once on a much larger scale - is now only partially visible covering the main burial chamber. After an extended period of use the passage and entrance to the tomb were sealed with blocks of stone and rubble. Near the back of the chamber is a cast of a pattern stone decorated with a spiralling snake like motif. The original is now in the Welsh National Museum and Gallery in Cardiff. Excavations also revealed a pit next to the 'pattern stone' where a fire had been lit, and a human ear-bone placed, afterwards capped by a flat stone. Archaeologists believe that the pit dates to the henge period of the site, although the meaning of the ritual is lost to us. The tomb is one of the best-preserved burial chambers in Wales. Map ref: SH 508702 Directions: Off the A4080, signposted at the turn to Llanddaniel Fab.