Ranging from the burial chambers of the Neolithic to the hill forts of the Iron age, the Isle of Anglesey has a wealth of prehistoric remains that spans a period of some 4000 years.
The first settlers in Western Britain buried their dead in stone burial chambers, 20 of which survive on Anglesey. At Trefignaeth near Holyhead it is possible to see how one such site was remodelled over a thousand years of use. Another burial chamber at Din Lligwy near Moelfre has a massive capstone measuring 5.5m by 4.8m and is over 1m thick. The chamber excavation early this century found the remains of as many as thirty bodies.
In the late Neolithic period an Irish influence on designs can clearly be seen, both at Barclodiad y Gawres (Llanfaelog) and Bryn Celli Ddu (Llanddaniel Fab). Probably the most fascinating features of the latter site are the five stones that were found in the passage and burial chamber. These stones were decorated with zigzag and spiral designs similar to those found at Irish sites such as New Grange in the Boyne valley. Further excavation within the central areas of these sites uncovered evidence of a bizarre grass snake, eel, mouse and toad stew thought to be connected to some ritual activity.
There are many surviving remains such as hill forts and hut circles to see on Anglesey, one of the most impressive hill forts at Holyhead Mountain was defended with stone walled ramparts, which survive up to 3 metres high in places. Nearby at South Stack are the remains of several circular houses. Sites like these were the home of the Celtic population throughout the Iron age and Roman period.