Name of monument
Harold's Stones
Also known as
Type of site
Dimensions (approx)
H:
W:
D:
LR Grid Reference
OS Map Number
LR 162
Nearest Village
Nearest Town
Property Type
Access
MRW Access rating
MRW Site Rating
Other information
Legends / stories attached to this monument. Inscriptions. See who has provided other information.
This is an exceptional monument, situated in the tiny picturesque village of Trellech, whose name incidentally is taken from the stones themselves. Tri, (Three) Llech, (Flat Stones).
The site consists of three standing stones, of varying height, 2.5metres, 3metres and 4 metres, the central stone also has two visible cup marks on its southern face.
It is believed that the three stones were once part of a much larger alignment, and that a fourth stone once stood on nearby common land, but for some unknown reason, was destroyed at the end of the eighteenth century. Inside the nearby village church, can be found a sundial, dating back to 1689, which bears a carving of the three stones, on each stone is a number representing its height in feet.
An information plaque near the entrance to the stones, indicates that the site dates back to the Bronze Age, some 3,500 years, and that the stones themselves, are made from conglomerate rock, also known as pudding stone. This eliminates the popular misconception, that they were erected to commemorate King Harold’s defeat of the Britons, which is where we believe, the site acquired the name Harold’s Stones. Instead, it seems more plausible, that the stones were erected as markers, or for seasonal information, or religious ceremonies, as also suggested on the entrance plaque.
Whatever their purpose, their impact on the visitor is immense. Finding the monument is easy, following the B4293 from Monmouth to Chepstow, through the village of Trellech, passed the church, keep on going, bearing right passed the junction for Tintern on your left, as the road straightens, you will clearly see the monument on your left.
Read the plaque near the stones. In the nearby church stands a sun-dial depicting the three stones here, you can just make out the measurements of each of the stones on this sun-dial: 14ft 10ft and 8ft
