This post was last updated on August 24th, 2024 at 03:20 pm
As if you needed yet another incentive to visit the stunning Snowdonia National Park in North Wales, taking the time to visit Bodowyr Burial Chamber will be well worth it. It’s a must-see on your list of ancient sites to visit.
Burial chambers across Europe attract hundreds of thousands of tourists every single year. In particular, the chambers located across Wales, including Lligwy burial chamber and Barclodiad Y Gawres burial chamber, have proved especially fascinating, yet there is still so much we don’t know about them.
Perhaps one of the most popular ancient burial chamber sites in the country, and dare we say, in all of Europe, is Bodowyr burial chamber, which traces its history back to Neolithic times. Well worth a visit whenever you’re in the area, and with so much to do nearby, here’s a more detailed look at this incredible piece of Welsh history.
This post is all about Bodowyr Burial Chamber.
Bodowyr Burial Chamber
What Is a Burial Chamber?
Wales’ history is shrouded in mystique and history in equal measure, which is one of the things that makes this land so incredibly interesting. Before we can get to the interesting stuff and start looking at Bodowyr in more detail, we first need to ensure everybody is clear on what a burial chamber is. Without a doubt, one of the most common questions asked of historians is: What is a burial chamber?
Put simply, a burial chamber is an enclosed space or room-like structure either under or above ground that has been used for a grave.
Also known as burial tombs, these chambers have been used all over the globe by different cultures and for different reasons. In the case of a burial chamber being used for the death of one individual, for example, in place of a simple grave, this is believed to have signified a higher status and would often be reserved for people of the utmost importance (royalty, clan leaders, military leaders, Monarchs, shamans, etc.).
Communal burial chambers are thought to be the most common, as countless archaeological digs and excavations have uncovered several across Wales, housing the remains of men, women, children, and even animals as well.
What is a Passage Grave?
Many of these types of chambers mentioned above are believed to be passage graves, with Bodowyr being a prime example, despite us still not knowing what’s inside. A Passage Grave, sometimes known as a passage tomb, typically dates back from the Neolithic Age, and we most commonly find it across Western Europe.
Usually, these tombs are comprised of one or several burial chambers that were commonly covered in stone, earth, or a combination. People could access them via a narrow passage made up of large stones.
Though they were used in Wales, passage graves were most commonly used in Ireland. Interestingly, if a passage grave were covered in earth, it would be known as a “burial mound.” However, if its builders covered it in stone, it would be known as a “cairn.” A cairn, incidentally, is a pile of stones or rocks built up for a specific reason. Often, they were used as markers or burial mounds.
Megaliths
Typically, megaliths would be used in the construction of passage graves. A megalith is a very large stone used to construct a prehistoric monument or structure. Sometimes, they are found by themselves, whereas in other instances, we find them used with other megaliths. Stonehenge is a prime example of this.
The most primitive passage tombs, however, were found in the form of a dolmen. A dolmen is a form of a single-chambered megalith tomb that consists of two or several upright megalith stones supporting a large horizontal flat capstone, also known as a “table” on the top of the rocks. We should note, however, that not every dolmen was, in fact, a passage grave.
Now, when you talk about precision engineering, you can’t help but be impressed when learning more about these unique chambers. You see, the passages themselves were designed in a very unique way. They were created so that the sun would shine through the passage and directly inside the chamber at a significant time of the year. Usually, this would be sunset at the equinox or sunrise on the winter solstice.
As the years ticked by, builders constructed them with the intention of their visibility from a long distance away. Often, they would be constructed on the tops of hills or in open plains where the views were unobstructed by trees and foliage.
The Old Stones of Wales: A Field Guide to Megalithic and Other Prehistoric Sites by Andy Burnham
What Do Passage Graves Look Like Inside?
Another interesting thing about ancient burial chamber designs is that passage graves inside could take on many different forms.
The inside of these tombs could vary greatly, from the overall shape to the number of burial chambers found within. Passage graves with multiple chambers, for example, often feature several sub-chambers leading away from the main central chamber.
Across Wales, in particular, you’ll find that the “cruciform passage grave” design is especially popular. This design was cross-shaped — hence the name. Now, contrary to popular belief, this design had nothing to do with Christianity, despite the crucifix. This is because the design pre-dates the Christian Era.
Passage tombs dating from a later period are often covered with a cairn. Bodowyr Burial Chamber is a perfect example, as you will find out shortly. In some, ancient megalithic art, as well as flints and other implements, have also been uncovered.
Just to make things even more complicated, some passage “graves” are believed not to even have been used as graves at all. Some believe they may have been used as a place of worship, whereas others have found evidence that other cultures may have re-used them. The Norse people, for example, are thought to have used Maeshowe as a place to store treasure from looters.
What is Bodowyr Burial Chamber?
In reality, we could go on all day about the ins and outs of burial chambers. The only way to really experience them for ourselves is to see them in person!
Sure, you can look at Bodowyr Burial Chamber photos online or watch videos or short clips, but nothing beats getting up close and personal with a part of this nation’s ancient history. Tombs like these trace all the way back to the Neolithic Age.
Bodowyr Burial Chamber is one of the most interesting burial chambers on the planet. Why? Because there is so much we don’t know about it. This ancient monument is shrouded in mystery as it has never been excavated. That means that no objects, animal, or human remains have been found. The fact that we don’t know what the chamber was used for arguably makes it more fascinating than ever. It’s no wonder that places like these have inspired fiction with their history and otherworldly energy.
Bodowyr stands proudly on a grassy hillock in a farmer’s field and offers breathtaking panoramic views of Snowdonia’s rugged mountains. Historians consider it the central burial chamber of a passage grave that we more commonly find in Ireland.
Burial Chamber Design
Experts believe the design dates back to Neolithic Times (4000 – 2000 BC). It features three upright stones and a capstone on top, giving it an almost mushroom-like appearance. There is a fifth stone that appears to have fallen over. This stone is much shorter than the others and is less than half their height. Experts believe that this stone may have formed a sill located over the entrance to the chamber.
Located nearby is another large stone on the ground, which may have once formed part of the structure. Due to its size, which is similar to the other stones supporting the capstone, experts believe it could have served as another supporting stone or possibly even a blocking stone.
Originally, the chamber would have been covered with earth. You would then find a stone-lined pass leading to the main chamber to the southeast.
It is unclear why that particular site was chosen. The flat field is not as visible as other locations for burial chambers. Experts do, however, believe that because you can see the Glyderau mountains and Snowdonia in the distance, it may have some significance, especially as the Llanberis Pass separates them and is visible. Likely, there was once a lunar or solar alignment, as viewed from the entranceway, that could have played a part in this. No one has proven that theory yet, however, so don’t take our word for it just yet.
Bodowyr Burial Chamber Location
Bodowyr, and indeed, Lligwy and Barclodiad Y Gawres burial chamber, are under the care of the Welsh Heritage Organization Cadw. They are open for most of the year. However, it is worth checking the opening times, depending on which burial chamber you decide to visit.
A quick look at a Bodowyr Burial Chamber map will show you that you can reach the monument via a minor road situated between Brynsiencyn and Llangaffo.
Admission is free, and there is a small layby nearby for parking. The location is open daily. Burial chamber hours are from 10 am to 4 pm all year long, except on the 24th, 25th, and 26th of December and the 1st of January.
It is always worth checking the weather. Wales, especially Snowdonia, can get pretty cold, wet, windy, and muddy, regardless of the seasons. Always dress for the weather, and we recommend a change of footwear just in case.
For more information, please click this link to Cadw, the organization that preserves this captivating piece of Wales’ history.
This post was all about Bodowyr Burial Chamber in Snowdonia National Park in North Wales.
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