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SH 72516 74775 (GPS 31min) | Diameter 3.0x3.2m (Meas.) |
Visited August 2001 | No magnetic anomalies. |
Circle 275 stands by the path leading up to
the Druid's Circle, the stones of this much more famous monument being
dramatically silhouetted on the horizon. Every summer, throngs of visitors
heading for the Druid's Circle pass within metres of this little ring,
completely unaware of its existence. Yet Circle 275 is quite an unusual
monument, a possible Irish five stone circle, here in Wales.
Excavated in 1958, five low boulders form a ring about 3m in diameter. Bank-like
stone spreads ran between the south and east stones, and the circle interior was
found to be strewn with quartz, a small pit at the circle centre was found to be
densely packed with the same material. The circle was probably built during the
Bronze Age, when this spot lay on the major trading trail between Ireland and
eastern England, which may explain the possible transport of tradition.
This circle has been compared to the little five stone recumbents of County Cork
in Ireland, circles such as Knockraheen
and Knocknakilla. With the
stone count, quartz deposits, and small diameter, there is certainly a strong
family resemblance to this group.