Scheduled MonumentsWalesGwernvale chambered cairn
Prehistoric · Chambered long barrow

Gwernvale chambered cairn

Breconshire, Wales
Cadw SAM BR016
Period
Prehistoric
Site type
Chambered long barrow
Broad class
Religious, Ritual and Funerary
Nation
Wales
Boundary

Scheduled area

© Mapbox · © OpenStreetMap contributors · Boundary data © Cadw

Overview

History & significance

Gwernvale chambered cairn is a Neolithic long barrow situated in Breconshire, Wales, dating to the period approximately 3500 to 2500 BCE. The monument consists of a stone-built chambered structure integrated within an earthen and stone mound, typical of the megalithic funerary tradition of Neolithic Britain and Wales. Excavations have revealed evidence of multiple inhumations within the chamber, indicating its use as a communal burial place across an extended period. The site represents an important example of early agricultural society's monumental architecture and ritual practices in south Wales, forming part of the broader distribution of chambered long barrows across the Welsh uplands and borderlands.

Gwernvale chambered cairn is a scheduled monument protected by Cadw under reference BR016. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Gwernvale chambered cairn?

Gwernvale chambered cairn is a Neolithic long barrow situated in Breconshire, Wales, dating to the period approximately 3500 to 2500 BCE. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Cadw under reference BR016.

What period does Gwernvale chambered cairn date from?

Gwernvale chambered cairn dates from the prehistoric period, and is classified as a chambered long barrow. It is one of over 32,000 scheduled monuments protected across Britain.

Who is responsible for protecting Gwernvale chambered cairn?

Gwernvale chambered cairn 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 BR016.

What other scheduled monuments are near Gwernvale chambered cairn?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Ironstone Quarries at Carreg Maen Taro (8.4 km), Pwll Du Limestone Quarry & Water Balance Lift (8.7 km), Dyne Steel Incline (8.7 km).

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