Gorsedd of Bards circle in Haverfordwest.
Gorsedd Stones are arrangements of standing stones constructed for the National Eisteddfod of Wales for each one. They are scattered throughout Wales and are a nice surprise when you come across one unexpectedly. This particular group of stones was constructed for the Eisteddfod in 1972. They form an integral part of the druidic Gorsedd ceremonies of the Eisteddfod. The stones can be found as commemorative structures throughout various parts of Wales and are the hallmark of the National Eisteddfod having visited a community.
Each stone structure is arranged in a circular formation typically consisting of about twelve stone pillars, sometimes from the local area. However sometimes the stones have been brought in to represent the Welsh counties, this is the case to the stone circle at Aberystwyth, where there is a stone circle at the castle, since the stone circle there is made up of different types of stones. Also at Bute park Cardiff where the center stone is a different type.
Here is a different scenario since all the stones including the one in the middle are the same type of stone. A large, flat-topped stone, known as the Logan Stone, lies at the center of the circle and serves as a platform.
But what type of stone are they here?
Here is some information to help you decide.
Sand stone
Sandstone is of course a sedimentary rock composed of small sand-size grains of mineral, rock, or organic material. It also contains a cementing material that binds the sand grains together and may contain a matrix of silt- or clay-size particles that occupy the spaces between the sand grains. Sandstone is one of the most common types of sedimentary rock and is found in sedimentary basins throughout the world. It is often mined for use as a construction material or as a raw material used in manufacturing. When used in construction it tends to have very few lines or marks in it and is all of one colour. It is a very strong, hard material and will weather very slowly. It can be yellow, red, grey and many other colours but is unlikely to be white.
Granite
Granite is a coloured igneous rock with crystals large enough to be visible with the unaided eye. It forms from the slow crystallization of magma below Earth's surface. Granite is composed mainly of quartz and feldspar with minor amounts of mica, amphiboles, and other minerals. This mineral composition usually results in dark mineral grains easily visible throughout the rock. Pink granite, like other granites is an intrusive igneous rock typically containing feldspar, quartz, mica & amphibole minerals. This variation contains potassium feldspar plagioclase that gives the granite a distinctive pink colour as opposed to other variants which can be white, grey, dark brown or even black.
Limestone
Limestone is another sedimentary rock but this one is composed primarily of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) in the form of the mineral calcite. It most commonly forms in clear, warm, shallow marine waters. It is usually an organic sedimentary rock that forms from the accumulation of shell, coral, algal, and fecal debris. It can also be a chemical sedimentary rock formed by the precipitation of calcium carbonate from lake or ocean water. This is also a very hard rock with few lines or seams when used for construction. It will weather a little quicker than the other two here because the weak acid solution of some rains will react with the stone and wash away. When used in construction limestone will tend to be quite white and decorative and can be polished or chiselled to give a very attractive effect.
So to some questions :-/
Questions
- Please describe the texture and colour of the stones.
- Please tell me what types of stones have been used and give reasons for your choice.
- Please tell me how many stones there are and how tall is the tallest.
- Under who’s direction was this stone circle sited? Look for a plaque.
If you feel willing and able please include a photo, thanks for visiting and I look forward to reading your logs.