The History and Folklore of St Lythans Burial Chamber
St Lythans Burial Chamber, located in the Vale of Glamorgan, South Wales, is an ancient Neolithic tomb that has stood for over 6,000 years. This dolmen, consisting of three upright stones supporting a massive capstone, is a remarkable remnant of Wales' prehistoric past. Beyond its historical significance, St Lythans is shrouded in folklore, with tales of supernatural occurrences, strange energies, and local legends passed down through generations.
St Lythans Burial Chamber, also known as Maesyfelin Cromlech, was constructed during the Neolithic period, around 4,000 BCE. It is part of a wider group of burial sites in the region, including the nearby Tinkinswood Burial Chamber. Unlike Tinkinswood, however, St Lythans remains uncovered by an earthen mound, leaving its imposing stone structure exposed to the elements.
The site is believed to have served as a communal burial chamber for an early farming community. Excavations have uncovered human remains, pottery shards, and flint tools, indicating that the tomb was used for both burial and ritualistic purposes. The sheer size of the capstone, which weighs an estimated 35 tons, showcases the skill and effort required by Neolithic builders to transport and position the stones using only primitive tools and manpower.
St Lythans Burial Chamber is steeped in Welsh folklore, with numerous legends surrounding its ancient stones.
- The Haunted Stones: One of the most enduring local legends claims that the stones of St Lythans come to life at midnight on Midsummer’s Eve. According to tradition, the stones are said to "dance" or move around the field on this night, an idea likely rooted in ancient pagan beliefs about the supernatural power of standing stones.
- The Healing Stone: Another legend speaks of the capstone having mystical healing properties. Some claim that touching the stone at certain times of the year can bring good fortune or cure ailments. The belief in the magical energy of such ancient sites persists to this day.
- Druids and Rituals: Some folkloric accounts suggest that the site was used by the Druids for religious ceremonies long after its construction. While there is no direct archaeological evidence of Druidic activity, the idea that the burial chamber was a place of spiritual significance is widely accepted.
- The Fairy Portal: As with many ancient monuments in Wales, St Lythans is linked to the Tylwyth Teg, or Welsh fairies. Some believe that the burial chamber serves as a gateway to the Otherworld, where supernatural beings reside. Tales of strange lights and eerie sounds near the site have fueled this legend for centuries.
St Lythans Burial Chamber is a fascinating link to Wales' prehistoric past, serving both as a remarkable feat of Neolithic engineering and a source of enduring folklore. Whether viewed through the lens of archaeology or myth, the site continues to captivate visitors, offering a glimpse into the beliefs and traditions of ancient peoples. As history and legend intertwine, St Lythans remains a place of wonder, where the mysteries of the past still linger in the present.