Scheduled Monuments- Full Report
Summary Description of a Scheduled Monument
Reference Number
ME050
Name
Inscribed Stone in Llanfihangel Traethau Churchyard
Date of Designation
Status
Designated
Location
Unitary Authority
Gwynedd
Community
Talsarnau
Easting
259493
Northing
335389
Broad Class
Religious, Ritual and Funerary
Site Type
Inscribed Stone
Period
Medieval
Description
Summary Description and Reason for Designation
The following provides a general description of the Scheduled Monument.
This is a narrow pillar of hard, fine-grained stone with an inscription running vertically on all four faces. The Latin inscription is translated by Nash Williams as follows: 'Here is the tomb of Wleder, the mother of Odelau, who first built this church in the time of King Owain.' This dates it to the 12th century (Owain reigned 1137-70). The inscription is still very clear, and there is a possibility that the stone is still in situ. The stone is situated by a corner of the path leading to the church, 12 m from the porch. It stands 1.6 m high and is about 17 cm square in cross-section.
The monument is of national importance for its potential to enhance our knowledge of medieval funerary and religious practises. It retains significant archaeological potential, with a strong probability of the presence of associated archaeological features and deposits.
The scheduled area comprises the remains described and areas around them within which related evidence may be expected to survive.