Llyn Fawr is an artificial lake constructed in the years before the First World War.
When workmen were clearing peat from the former lakebed they discovered several bronze and iron objects.
These included two massive bronze cauldrons, bronze axes and sickles, bronze horse harness gear, a triangular shaving razor, and part of a finely decorated iron sword with bone handle.
The sword is a rare example of imported military equipment, and the cauldrons are now at the National Museum in Cardiff.
An iron sickle represents the earliest evidence for native iron work in the British Isles, dating to around 600BC.
Archaeologists believe this metal work was thrown into the lake 2500 years ago as an offering to the goddess of water.
The Celts threw ritual offerings into water in a bid to appease the gods, and such ceremonies were probably arranged by druids, the professional Celtic clergy.
The haul in the lake is extremely important evidence of a profound belief system.
These ceremonies were probably huge events attended by people from all over the area, and betrayed a growing sense of desperation about new, powerful enemies on the horizon.
Even today, standing on the concrete dam of the reservoir, the natural amphitheatre of Llyn Fawr at the foot of the Rhigos evokes an unique atmosphere.
Directions: Leave the A465 Heads of the Valleys road at Hirwaun and take the A4061. After passing the Tower Colliery on your right, the next road on your right is a Forestry track to the site for pedestrians only. There is no car park. The site is about half a mile along the Forestry track.
your comments
PHILIP JONES, RHONDDA FAWR
LLYN FAWR is indeed a very special place, not only for its natural beauty but the wealth of history around it. High on the ridge above are burial cairns(most damaged by forestry work in the 60/70s) and the Middle Bronze Age cemetery at Hirwaun below llyn fawr. All this on our door step - who needs ancient egypt !
Matt Sparkes, Newport
Llyn Fawr is a a very tranquil location where I have spent many hours fishing. Pigeons roost in the cliff faces which attracts peregrine falcons to the area. It is something special just to listen to their screeches which are amplified by the natural amphitheatre formed by the surounding cliffs. Occsionally if you are lucky enough to be there at the right moment you may see a peregrine falcon taking out a pigeon in flight.
NIgel Hembrow
The LLyn Fawr is also used for fly fishing
by the Upper Rhondda Angling Assc. New members are always welcome.
