Scheduled MonumentsWalesPen y Gadair Fawr platform cairn
Prehistoric · Platform Cairn

Pen y Gadair Fawr platform cairn

Breconshire, Wales
Cadw SAM BR311
Period
Prehistoric
Site type
Platform Cairn
Broad class
Religious, Ritual and Funerary
Nation
Wales
Boundary

Scheduled area

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Overview

History & significance

Pen y Gadair Fawr is a platform cairn of Neolithic or early Bronze Age date located in Breconshire, Wales. The monument consists of a substantial stone platform constructed from accumulated rubble and larger stones, characteristic of platform cairn architecture from prehistoric Wales. Such structures served ritual, ceremonial, or funerary purposes within early prehistoric communities, though the specific function of this particular site remains subject to archaeological interpretation. The cairn's position in the upland landscape of Breconshire reflects the widespread distribution of such monuments across the Welsh hills during the Neolithic and Bronze Age periods.

Pen y Gadair Fawr platform cairn is a scheduled monument protected by Cadw under reference BR311. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Pen y Gadair Fawr platform cairn?

Pen y Gadair Fawr is a platform cairn of Neolithic or early Bronze Age date located in Breconshire, Wales. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Cadw under reference BR311.

What period does Pen y Gadair Fawr platform cairn date from?

Pen y Gadair Fawr 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 Pen y Gadair Fawr platform cairn?

Pen y Gadair Fawr 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 BR311.

What other scheduled monuments are near Pen y Gadair Fawr platform cairn?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Darren ring cairn (7.6 km), Cwm Beusych Deserted Rural Settlement (8 km), Crug Hywel Camp (8.1 km).

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