The Gop

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.

This article is about the Welsh neolithic mound. For the Grand Old Party, see Republican Party (United States). For other uses, see GOP (disambiguation).

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.

Gop Hill from the River Clwyd

References
  1. Whitfield, Paul; Le Nevez, Catherine; Parker, Mike (2012). The Rough Guide to Wales. Rough Guides UK. p. 398. ISBN 978-1-40538-981-5.

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