Carreg-y-llech standing stone

Cadw's description

Summary description and reason for designation

The following provides a general description of the Scheduled Ancient Monument.

The monument comprises a spectacular standing stone, probably dating to the Bronze Age (c.2300 BC - 800 BC). It is a large subrectangular block of weathered sandstone, standing 1.85m in height and measuring 2.05m in thickness and 0.45m in width. The stone is orientated from NNE to SSW, with the large flat sides facing ESE and WNW respectively. The stone leans towards the WNW and there are several possible packing stones visible around its base. It is situated in enclosed pasture immediately to the SSE of Carreg-y-llech Farm, on a slight rounded summit on the large level plateau between the River Terrig to the NW and the River Cegidog to the SE.

The monument is of national importance for its potential to enhance our knowledge of prehistoric ritual practices. The monument retains significant archaeological potential with a strong probability of associated archaeological features and deposits and forms an important element in the wider prehistoric funerary and ritual landscape. The importance of the standing stone is further enhanced by its probable association with three Bronze Age round barrows. The four sites are roughly aligned from NE to SW, with the Carreg-y-llech standing stone (FL207) situated on the NE. The Bryntirion round barrow (FL208) is situated about 450m to the SW of the standing stone; with the Pen-y-stryt round barrow (FL206) about 400m further to the SW; and the Pentre round barrow (FL205) a further 450m to the SW again.

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 10m in diameter.