Tref Alaw Landmarks and Historic Monuments
Tref Alaw is a region defined by a striking blend of modern infrastructure and ancient heritage. From the vast waters of its man-made reservoir to the silent sentinels of the Bronze Age, the landscape offers a chronological journey through human habitation and engineering on the island of Anglesey.
Modern Infrastructure and Energy
The most prominent geographical feature of Tref Alaw is Llyn Alaw, a man-made reservoir completed in 1966. This body of water serves as a central landmark for the community. Complementing this utility is the Llyn Alaw wind farm, located in the northern part of the community, which generates renewable energy via 35 turbines.
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Industrial Heritage and Milling
The area preserves the history of traditional milling through two distinct sites. West of Llanddeusant lies Melin Llynon, which holds the distinction of being the only working windmill on Anglesey. Constructed during the Napoleonic Wars, the mill remained operational until a storm caused significant damage in 1918. After falling into disrepair, it was acquired by the Anglesey Borough Council in 1976 and fully restored to working order by 1986. Visitors to the site can also view a reconstruction of an Iron Age house.
Additionally, Llanddeusant is home to Melin Hywel, a watermill. Although it underwent restoration efforts in 1975 and 1985, the structure has since returned to a state of disrepair.
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Scheduled Monuments of Antiquity
Tref Alaw is home to four Scheduled Monuments—sites given legal protection due to their national archaeological importance. These sites span from the Bronze Age to the Iron Age.
The Standing Stones
The Glan-Alaw Standing Stone is a massive monolith presumed to date from the Bronze Age, situated 400m west of Bod-deiniol farm.
The Tregwehelydd Standing Stone, also known as Maen y Gored, is managed by Cadw. Standing approximately 8 feet (2.4 m) high on a low knoll, this rectangular stone originally split along its bedding planes. In 1969, it was stabilized using a concrete base and large metal straps to bolt the three pieces back together. A second stone of similar size lies horizontally nearby.
Bedd Branwen Round Cairn
Located east of Elim near the River Alaw, the Bedd Branwen Round Cairn (Welsh for 'Branwen's Grave') is a site of significant archaeological interest. While the name is linked to the Mabinogion—a collection of medieval Welsh tales describing Branwen's burial by the Alaw—the site is far older than the text.
Radiocarbon dating conducted in 1980 indicates that the central stone pillar was erected before 2000 BC, with the surrounding mound of stones and cremation burials added roughly 700 years later. Excavations in 1813 and 1966 uncovered cremation urns, amber, beads, and carved jet, confirming the site's use as a cemetery over several periods.
Y Werthyr Hillfort
The Y Werthyr Hillfort is an Iron Age fortification located on a hilltop between Elim and Llantrisant. While it once featured imposing ramparts, much of the original earthworks have been lost to centuries of ploughing.
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Key Facts
- Llyn Alaw: A man-made reservoir built in 1966.
- Wind Energy: The Llyn Alaw wind farm consists of 35 turbines.
- Melin Llynon: Anglesey's only working windmill, restored in 1986.
- Bedd Branwen: A Bronze Age cairn with a central pillar dating to before 2000 BC.
- Y Werthyr: An Iron Age hillfort with largely ploughed-out ramparts.
- Scheduled Monuments: There are four officially protected ancient sites in the community.
| Landmark | Type | Period/Date | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Llyn Alaw | Reservoir | 1966 | Man-made water body |
| Melin Llynon | Windmill | Napoleonic Wars | Only working mill on Anglesey |
| Bedd Branwen | Round Cairn | Pre-2000 BC | Cremation burials and central pillar |
| Y Werthyr | Hillfort | Iron Age | Hilltop ramparts |
| Tregwehelydd Stone | Standing Stone | Ancient | Bolted together in 1969 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of Melin Llynon?
Melin Llynon is significant as it is the only working windmill remaining on the island of Anglesey. It was built during the Napoleonic Wars and restored to working order in 1986.
How old is the Bedd Branwen Round Cairn?
Radiocarbon dating from 1980 suggests the central stone pillar was erected before 2000 BC, making it significantly older than the medieval Mabinogion stories associated with its name.
What happened to the Y Werthyr Hillfort ramparts?
Although the hillfort once had imposing ramparts, most of these Iron Age earthworks have been ploughed out over time.
Who manages the Tregwehelydd Standing Stone?
The Tregwehelydd Standing Stone, also known as Maen y Gored, is a property in the care of Cadw.
What is the Llyn Alaw wind farm?
It is a renewable energy installation located in the northern part of the Tref Alaw community, consisting of 35 wind turbines.