As part of ongoing research into rock-art and its association with Neolithic burial monuments in Wales, a team from the Clifton Antiquarian Club visited Cae-Dyni (CRN 14 NGR ST 0921 7335) in January 2006.  

This site, located within the coastal zone, east of the coastal town of Criccieth has in the past been considered by the archaeologist Terrence Powell as a cist that has dated to the Early Bronze Age. However, we suggest monuments of this size, where chamber measures 1.3m x 0.80m can still be considered megalithic and therefore earlier than the date proposed. This monument along with eighteen other sites possess cupmarks, either carved on the monument or close by on exposed rock outcropping.

Cae-Dyni Chambered Tomb (click to enlarge image)

As far as the authors are aware little has been reported on this monument. Glyn Daniel briefly described this monument as a large cist. He further claimed that Thomas Pennent in his Tour of Wales (1783) first discussed the site. However, the description may refer to another nearby monument. Therefore, the earliest reference is Barnwell who briefly discusses the site with an accompanying engraving of the chamber area in 1868. Based on Barnwell’s engraving little has changed to the morphology of this monument. Indeed, a visit to Cae-Dyni by the team in December 2005 could clearly recognise the major features including the position of the slipped capstone as shown on Barnwell’s engraving. In recent times the site has been briefly described by Cummings & Whittle who also discuss its landscape setting. They too consider the probability that the site could be earlier, probably Late Neolithic.

 The Cae-Dyni burial monument (SH 51113 38216), referred to in the regional Historic Environment Record (HER) as Caerdyni is regarded as a Bronze Age monument and therefore not classified as a megalithic structure. The chamber is set within a low denuded rectangular rather than a round mound, measuring roughly 13m x 8m and is oriented east-west. The remains of the mound probably comprise rubble and earth. On the NW edge of the mound are three stones that are set on end and possibly represent rock outcropping. The site overlooks the coast and is part of a collection of monuments that vary considerably in their architecture.

Members from the Clifton Antiquarian Club surveyed the monument, producing a cross section and comprehensive plan. As far as the Club are aware this was the first detail plan of the site. Discovered on two faces of an upright stone, which supports the leaning capstone, were a series of 13 cupmarks that were arranged in several groups.  This significant find coincides with research that is currently being undertaken by a independent team on Anglesey who are primarily concerned with discovering rock-art on or around megalithic structures (referred to as the Anglesey Rock-art Project [ARAP]).

Cupmarks

Cup marks  Elevation drawing of cupmarks (Right click mouse button and 'Save As' to view full size image, 'Back' button to return to site)

Chambered Tomb  Plan drawing of monument (Right click mouse button and 'Save As' to view full size image, 'Back' button to return to site)