Carreg Samson

Carrey Samson stands in splendid isolation overlooking St Brides bay and is regarded as one of the most magnificent megalithic "tombs" in Wales. It is also known as the Longhouse cromlech, after the farm on which is it situated.

The massive capstone is supported two metres above ground level by three out of a total of seven remaining uprights. Excavation in 1968 suggested that there were originally one or two extra stones on either side of an entrance passage from the edge of a now lost cairn or mound to the north-west corner of the chamber.

The uprights are based on the edge of a large pit which suggests that the capstone may have been a glacial erratic dug out during construction of the tomb. During excavation sherds of pottery were found which are believed to have been the remains of cinerary urns suggesting that the burial ritual at Carreg Samson incorporated cremation.

Saint Samson is reputed to have lifted the massive capstone into position using just his little finger. A site on a small island in nearby Abercastle harbour is apparently known as the grave of Samson's finger, which he lost performing this feat.

Earlier this century, stones were used to block the holes in the sides of this tomb and it was used as a sheep-shelter.