Andy Burnham's Blog, page 9

Possible Cairn at Ty'n Llwyn

Situated within land managed by Cyfoeth Naturiol Cymru (Natural Resources Wales) the site was recently visited by members of the Ffestiniog Archaeological Society. The field management team had noted a stone construct, resembling an arc of a hut circle that became visible following the wind blown felling of a large oak tree and the archaeology group were invited to have a look. The archaeology group examined the stone structure and also conducted a basic walking survey of the entire site which resulted in the identification of further features that may have a prehistoric origin. However, for the purpose of this post I'll focus on the possible cairn...

Røyken-Prestegård Gravhaug

In Hedmark, Norway - just next to a garden and at the east side of a small grassy park is a beautiful iron age round barrow. The barrow was previously damaged but was restored by a local historical society in 1970. Close by is a memorial stone from WW2.

Le Fuseau de Sainte Barbe

A very nice Iron Age style stele right in the middle of the road junction at Kerlaouéret, near to the chapel of the same name. It is 3.25 meters high and has been dated to 450 BCE very approximately. The stone originated over 6 km to the south.

Ukranenland

An open air museum in Torgelow, Western Pomerania. It shows reconstructions and experimental archaeology of a early medieval Slavic Village. I (Boeddel) have visited many times and it is always nice. Lots of photos on our page.

Felsenmeer (Sea of Stones)

A geological feature in Hemer, North Rhine-Westphalia strewn with huge boulders, crevices and fissures. Legend explains its origin as caves and mines as belonging to dwarves. Giants wanted to steal the treasures of the dwarfs. However, the dwarves lured the giants into a trap. They allowed them to entry their tall entrance hall of their mines and then induced the collapse of the hall. The giants were buried. After this, the dead giants were turned to stone and sealed the entrance to the lower mines. In fact it originated from collapsed caves and medieval mines. It is dangerous to explore off the provided paths and walkways.

Antonine Wall remains below Golden Hill

Five proposed Battery Energy Storage Sites near Clydebank, one right along the path of the Antonine Wall. This is along with the huge site just off Cochno Road, Whitehill close to the rock art there. Archaeology at risk. Part of the Antonine Wall that has been exposed at Golden Hill.

Dolmen del Mas de la Mata

This dolmen, like the others in this Cataluñian valley was very difficult to find, even with an advanced GPS. All paths that were once in the area are overgrown with sharp, thorny bushes and are easily lost amongst boulders, trees, drops and slopes. It was a very difficult and sunny descent. Still, the dolmens are pleasing, and bold, red on white signs can be seen on arrival. This is useful as the bushes seem rampant. There are pairs of stacked stones left by someone who occasionally visits some of these sites. Expect a difficult scrabble if you visit, bring water and tell someone where you are heading. it is real ankle breaking terrain.

Caerleon Roman Amphitheatre

The most complete Roman amphitheatre in the UK built around AD 90 just outside the Legio II Augusta fortress at Caerleon (Isca) to entertain and train the legionaries stationed there. Very impressive to this day, large enough to accommodate 6000 people on wooden stands built above the existing stone and earth base. It has two big entrances (Portae Pompae) through which the participants would enter, with six smaller entrances with steps up to the terracing for the audience.

Tom na Moine

Woodend cairn, of national importance as a well-preserved example of a largely undisturbed Bronze Age burial cairn with central stone-lined cist. A low rising mound located 455m above sea level on the southern slopes of Tom na Moine. The burial chamber faces west-east with impressive views over the valley of the River Findhorn.

Clach an t-Sagairt (Clachan Sands)

The Priests' Stone in English. A huge upright slab of Lewisian gneiss inscribed with a crude Latin cross. In Clachan Sands, a hamlet in the NE of North Uist.