This burial chamber also known as Castell Carreg, 'Stone Castle' was constructed about 4,000yrs BC and is located (ST092733) near the village of St Nicholas. It was originally covered by a mound of earth which has been largely
removed at some time probably by treasure seekers. The mound is elongated in a northeast
southwest direction and is 130ft by 60ft. The front of the mound is supported by stone walls to the right and
left of the giant capping stone. The stones in these walls are arranged in a herring
bone pattern. I am not sure if this is a reconstruction or original. The entrance at the front of
the chamber is via a round hole at the bottom right hand side. This is a feature seen in other sites and is called a spirit hole. The chamber itself
is capped by a huge stone 24ft by 15ft weighing approximately 40 tons and originally contained a collection of broken human bones from 40 individuals, male and female and of different ages. This chamber would appear to be a communal burial site for a local settlement. Behind this stone chamnber on the mound is
the remains of a stone lined cist which has been disturbed. Approximately 100 yds northeast of the chamber
entrance I found two recumbent stones near the field boundary. These align perfectly in
a south westerly direction to the chamber front. Behind these sighting stones in the next
field hidden in a wood is an irregular arrangement of large stones. I think these are
the remains of a disturbed stone circle.
(click on image for hi-res photo)
View from the east.
View of chamber front.
View of chamber entrance.
View of capping stone.
View of recumbent sighting stones.
