The Gop (Welsh: Coparleni, also known as Gop Cairn or Gop-y-Goleuni) is a neolithic monument lying within the Clwydian Range, northwest of Trelawnyd, in Flintshire, Wales, in the Clwydian Range. There is evidence that there was a considerable amount of stone on the top of hill, which may indicate that it was used as a look-out or hill fort.

Description

Oval in form, it is the second-largest neolithic mound in Britain after Silbury Hill, in Wiltshire. Excavations have discovered prehistoric remains both in the caves below and in the mound itself.[1]

Excavations have uncovered no burial chambers or other underground works, which may indicate that it was used as a look-out or hill fort; there is evidence that there was a considerable amount of stone on the top of hill. In the 17th century, its prominent position allowed a beacon to be placed there.

The mound lies on top of Gop Hill (823 feet), a natural limestone outcrop, in the side of which are the Gop Caves.

References

• The Megalithic Portal and Megalith Map

External links

• Photograph of the mound with the entrance to Gop Cave in the foreground