Our family archaeological exploration of the wonders of Anglesey in North Wales continued with a visit to the ancient tomb of Bodowyr. This particular site was more challenging to find, requiring us to drive round many winding lanes.
Described as a chambered tomb, Bodowyr is an impressive site when located. Looking almost abandoned in a random field, the huge capstone is mushroom shaped and easily identifiable.
This site is fenced off, but visitors can get quite close all the same.
A superb little monument that’s well worth tracking down. I’d make sure you have a sat nav handy to find it, though.
Over the last summer, my family and I spent some more time on the Isle of Anglesey in North Wales. Previously, we had visited the ancient burial chamber of Bryn Celli Ddu, which we all felt was an amazing, magical place. And so this year, we were keen to visit some more prehistoric sites on our travels around the island.
Staying as usual in Rhosneigr, our first destination was almost just around the corner, and easy to find. Heading out of Llanfaelog, taking a left turn and travelling along a small lane, Ty Newydd burial chamber was clearly sign posted and no problem to park close by. Hopping over a stone wall, the monument was visible immediately.
Ty Newydd stands in the corner of a field and though brick supports help to hold it up, the site is still impressive. It dates to the Neolithic age and was a communal place to bury the dead. With the capstone lying across the supports, Ty Newydd resembles a mini Stonehenge, and still awe inspiring.
Our first site was very straight forward to discover, encouraged by this and the wonder of standing close to something so unfathomably old, were decided to look for more.
Trefignath tomb was not as simple to locate, but it was definitely worth the effort. We headed up towards Trearddur Bay, and after a few wrong turns, found ourselves near a truck park. We knew the location was nearby, but coudn’t see any signage. With double yellows lining the road, parking was restricted. Pulling into a small turning space, we scouted about and – noticing a similar stone wall to Ty Newydd, could just see the top of the monument.
This site is actually three burial chambers constructed in close proximity throughout different periods of the Neolithic age. Although some of the construction has collapsed, the three chambers are still clearly identifiable and create quite a stirring experience. As per Bryn Celli Ddu, there’s obviously still some relevance here, with flowers and other items left on the site.
Our explorations came to an end eventually, it was time for the intrepid Jones archaeologists to retire. Both sites we had discovered were inspiring to visit, brilliantly magical places that were shrouded in mystery and history alike. There are plenty more ancient monuments to visit in the area, we’ll save those fpor another time.
“Ritual” is the debut album of Occult Doom Metal band Goat Major. The band, comprising Jammie Arnold (guitar), Simon Bonwick (drums) and Tom Shortt (bass and vocals) came together as a three piece during the pandemic and the frustration of lockdown. They hail from Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire in Wales, which makes a lot of sense. Wales is steeped in ancient legends, historic monuments and plenty of castles, druids, standing stones, devil dogs and faerie folk – a rich landscape for inspiration.
Musically, we have here eight songs that follow the classic doom/stoner template of fuzzy guitars, rumbling bass and crashing drums. The first track, ‘Snakes (Goddess of the Serpent)’ offers up a burning, slow riff before launching into a dirtier, groovy rhythm. The title track has a driving pace with a hypnotic feel, induced by backing vocals and a relentless grind.
The songs aren’t all just freaked out, fuzztastic trips though. There’s a palpable air of Dennis Wheatley and Hammer horror permeating the whole affair, best demonstrated by ‘Mountains of Madness’, with its slow, atmospheric start. Goat Major bring the gloom to the doom with a touch of malevolence.
Rounding off the album is a short, melodic track called ‘Lay Me Down’, which reminds me of the sort of mellow insert that Budgie (or Sabbath, for that matter) would employ. Appearing last, it’s a lovely oasis of calm after the preceding murkiness. It’s easy to compare the album to Electric Wizard, Uncle Acid and Cathedral, but the foreboding feel Goat Major have created shows they have ideas of their own.
Bubbling away in Goat Major’s coffin is a recipe for some classic Occult Doom Metal. They’ve taken the original sources, added some sinister seasoning of their own, and delivered a hell of a debut album. “Ritual” is easily qualified to make my end of year Top Ten.
PS: in no way has the fact that this band is from Wales influenced my high opinion of this excellent album. Diolch yn fawr, Goat major!
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