Dyffryn Ardudwy Burial Chambers

OS Grid ref:- SH589228

The Dryffyn Ardudwy Burial Chamber site, which is also known by the name Coetan Arthur, is made up of a rectangular shaped cairn which contains two well preserved but dissimilar burial chambers. The site stands at the south end of Dyffryn Ardudwy village, near Llanaber and is estimated to date to circa 3500 B.C.

The western chamber, which stands on a bed of boulders, is of earlier date than the eastern and consists of an H-shaped portal with a slab, a rectangular chamber and sloping capstone.

The eastern chamber, which stands around 8.6 metres from its western counterpart, is larger and lacks the the high entrance stones, but the front has a portal area defined by projecting sidestones and a low closing slab which is now broken. Remains of a cremation burial of a later date have been found within it, as have two small plaques composed of Mynydd Rhiw stone, the purpose of the plaques is not known. The entrances to both chambers face east.

The site is now owned by CADW.

Image copyright Paul Alison

Prehistoric Sites in Snowdonia