Scheduled MonumentsWalesMynydd Bychan platform cairn
Prehistoric · Platform Cairn

Mynydd Bychan platform cairn

Breconshire, Wales
Cadw SAM BR320
Period
Prehistoric
Site type
Platform Cairn
Broad class
Religious, Ritual and Funerary
Nation
Wales
Boundary

Scheduled area

© Mapbox · © OpenStreetMap contributors · Boundary data © Cadw

Overview

History & significance

Mynydd Bychan platform cairn is a Neolithic ceremonial monument located in Breconshire, Wales, situated within the upland landscape of the Brecon Beacons region. The structure comprises a substantial platform cairn, a form of ritual monument characteristic of the early Neolithic period, constructed from stone rubble and earth. Such platform cairns typically served religious and ceremonial functions for Neolithic communities, though their precise ritual purpose remains debated amongst archaeologists. The monument's elevated location reflects the practice of positioning significant ritual sites within prominent topographical settings, making it visible across the surrounding landscape and demonstrating the monument's importance to the communities who built and maintained it.

Mynydd Bychan platform cairn is a scheduled monument protected by Cadw under reference BR320. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Mynydd Bychan platform cairn?

Mynydd Bychan platform cairn is a Neolithic ceremonial monument located in Breconshire, Wales, situated within the upland landscape of the Brecon Beacons region. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Cadw under reference BR320.

What period does Mynydd Bychan platform cairn date from?

Mynydd Bychan platform cairn dates from the prehistoric period, and is classified as a platform cairn. It is one of over 32,000 scheduled monuments protected across Britain.

Who is responsible for protecting Mynydd Bychan platform cairn?

Mynydd Bychan platform 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 BR320.

What other scheduled monuments are near Mynydd Bychan platform cairn?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Inscribed Stone in Church (8.3 km), Bipartite enclosure 1km SSE of Pen Allt-Mawr, Cwm Banw (8.7 km), Pen Gloch-y-pibwr, platform cairn on S end of (8.8 km).

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