Scheduled Monuments- Full Report
Summary Description of a Scheduled Monument
Reference Number
CM230
Name
Ring Cairn 120m NE of Heol Ddu
Date of Designation
15/03/1984
Status
Designated
Location
Unitary Authority
Carmarthenshire
Community
Gorslas
Easting
254112
Northing
215230
Broad Class
Religious, Ritual and Funerary
Site Type
Ring Cairn
Period
Prehistoric
Description
Summary Description and Reason for Designation
The following provides a general description of the Scheduled Ancient Monument.
The monument comprises the remains of a ring cairn of earth and stone, which probably date to the Bronze Age (c. 2300 - 800 BC), and is defined by a circular earthwork some 30m diameter, bisected by a mature hedge. On the west of the hedge the monument survives as a curving bank. A trial excavation showed that this was formed by c 6m wide bank of limestone boulders and stones, surrounding a central circular area. To the eastern side of the hedge the central hollow has been in-filled in modern times, so that it now appears as a raised platform.
The monument is of national importance for its potential to enhance our knowledge of prehistoric burial and ritual practices. The feature is an important relic of a prehistoric funerary and ritual landscape and retains significant archaeological potential. There is a strong probability of the presence of both intact ritual and burial deposits, together with environmental and structural evidence. Ring cairns may be part of a larger cluster of monuments and their importance can further enhanced by their group value.
The scheduled area comprises the remains described and areas around them within which related evidence may be expected to survive.