Arthur's Stone, Bredwardine (Hereford)
Summary
- 13th century buildings (or older)
- Free admission
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Introduction
An atmospheric Neolithic burial chamber made of great stone slabs, in the hills above Herefordshire's Golden Valley.
History to the present day
Arthur's Stone, a Neolithic chambered tomb, is over 5,000 years old. Today only the large stones of the inner chamber remain, though these were once covered by a long earthen mound.
The area is rich in prehistoric archaeology. In addition to long barrows and standing stones, flint scatters and stone axes have been found, showing intensive use of the upper Golden Valley during the Neolithic. The chamber is formed of nine upright stones, with an enormous capstone, estimated to weigh more than 25 tonnes. It was accessed through the side of the covering mound, via the right-angled passage. There is an isolated stone that probably formed part of a false entrance, perhaps providing a visual focus for ceremonies.
The tomb has never been excavated, but similar examples in this region have been found to contain incomplete skeletal remains of several people, together with flint flakes, arrowheads and pottery.
It is unlikely that the monument was built solely as a tomb. Rituals of the ancestors, through whom claims to a particular area of land could be staked, may have taken place here. Built in an area of summer pastures, Neolithic people could have gathered at the cairn on a seasonal basis.
Like many prehistoric monuments in western England and Wales, this tomb has been linked to King Arthur since before the 13th century. According to legend, it was here that Arthur slew a giant who left the impression of his elbows on one of the stones as he fell.
Arrival information and how to find us
Open all year round at any reasonable time.
Located 7 miles E of Hay-on-Wye off B4348 near Dorstone.
Bus Access: Stagecoach in South Wales 39, Yeomans Canyon 40 Hereford railwaystation - Brecon to within 3⁄4 mile
All photographs courtesy of English Heritage Photographic Library.
