Scheduled MonumentsWalesCarn Besi Burial Chamber
Prehistoric · Chambered Tomb

Carn Besi Burial Chamber

Carmarthenshire, Wales
Cadw SAM CM049
Period
Prehistoric
Site type
Chambered Tomb
Broad class
Religious, Ritual and Funerary
Nation
Wales
Boundary

Scheduled area

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Overview

History & significance

Carn Besi Burial Chamber is a Neolithic chambered tomb located in Carmarthenshire, Wales, and represents a significant example of prehistoric funerary architecture from the fourth or third millennium BCE. The monument consists of a stone-built burial chamber constructed beneath an earthen or stone mound, characteristic of the communal burial practices of the Neolithic period in Wales. The site reflects the ritual and ceremonial importance of ancestor veneration in prehistoric Welsh society, serving as a focal point for ritual activity and burial of the deceased over an extended period. As a scheduled ancient monument under Cadw protection, Carn Besi remains an important archaeological resource for understanding the religious and social practices of early farming communities in south Wales.

Carn Besi Burial Chamber is a scheduled monument protected by Cadw under reference CM049. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Carn Besi Burial Chamber?

Carn Besi Burial Chamber is a Neolithic chambered tomb located in Carmarthenshire, Wales, and represents a significant example of prehistoric funerary architecture from the fourth or third millennium BCE. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Cadw under reference CM049.

What period does Carn Besi Burial Chamber date from?

Carn Besi Burial Chamber dates from the prehistoric period, and is classified as a chambered tomb. It is one of over 32,000 scheduled monuments protected across the UK.

Who is responsible for protecting Carn Besi Burial Chamber?

Carn Besi Burial Chamber is a Scheduled Ancient Monument, legally protected by Cadw — the body responsible for designating and safeguarding heritage sites in Wales. The official designation reference is CM049.

What other scheduled monuments are near Carn Besi Burial Chamber?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Defended Enclosure 300m NW of Closbach (5.9 km), Inscribed Stone in outer face of wall of St Michael's Church (now in Llandissilio Church) (6.9 km), Gelli Diogyn Hillfort (7.5 km).

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