Name of monument
Pontypridd Carn Circle and Cist
Also known as
Type of site
Carn Circle and Cist
Dimensions (approx)
H:
W:
D:
LR Grid Reference
ST 0797 9025
OS Map Number
LR 170
Nearest Village
Nearest Town
Pontypridd
Property Type
Access
MRW Access rating
MRW Site Rating
Other information
Legends / stories attached to this monument. Inscriptions. See who has provided other information.
Although we have included a Land Ranger grid ref, this is only an approximation, as the monument does not appear on the map.
We actually came across it on an Explorer map (166) we do, however, urge you to visit this site, for as well as the Carn Circle and Cist, it is also the site of the infamous Rocking stone, situated just up the hill, which itself is surrounded by a Druidic stone circle.
The carn circle is very well preserved, it consists of a circle measuring approximately 10 metres in diameter, with 8 visible stones, the tallest of which being nearly 2 feet. At the centre of the circle, there is a burial cist.
Getting to the site is quite simple. Approaching along the A470, from Merthyr Tydfil, heading for Cardiff, take the Pontypridd turn off, at the bottom turn left. This will take you up a steep little climb to a junction. Go straight across the junction and carry on up the hill, heading for the Cottage Hospital. At the Hospital park the car, the circle can be seen to your right. When you get to the circle, follow the path heading for the war monument, the cairn circle is right next to the path. The stone circles and stone spirals on the common are the imaginative work of a 19th century eccentric, Dr William Price. As for the rocking stone, it has been said that this was the site of the original assembly of the Bards, or Gorsedd. It was also said that at one time this huge rock, weighing over 9 tons, could be made to vibrate by the touch of a child, and rock violently at the push of an adult’s hand.
View detail of cist. The cist itself, which can be clearly seen in the centre of the picture below, is 0.6m at its widest (head), 0.4m at its foot and 1.50m in length. The tallest of its eight visible stones is 0.5, forming part of a carn circle that measures 10m, north to south. Also on Pontypridd Common is the "Rocking Stone" surrounded by the later, more modern addition of a 1795 Gorsedd Circle.
