Nant Croes-y-wernen stone circle

Cadw's 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 fine stone circle, probably dating to the Bronze Age (c.2300 BC - 800 BC) and situated on a locally prominent knoll to the S of the Nant Croes-y-wernen, in a theatrical position surrounded on all sides by hills. There is a break in the almost uniform horizon on the WNW, looking down the Afon Trystion valley. Only four long thin upright slabs remain of the stone circle - although further stones could be felt under the turf. The stone circle measures about 9.5m in diameter over a level central area.

The monument is of national importance for its potential to enhance our knowledge of prehistoric burial and ritual practices. The stone circle is an important relic of a prehistoric funerary and ritual landscape and retains significant archaeological potential, with a strong probability of the presence of intact ritual deposits alongside environmental and structural evidence. The importance of the monument is further enhanced by the topographical association of the stone circle with the many Bronze Age cairns that can be found within the surrounding area.

The area to be scheduled comprises the remains described and an area around them within which related evidence may be expected to survive. It is circular and measures 30m in diameter.