The Gop

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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.

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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 Gop hill clwydian range.jpg
Gop Hill from the River Clwyd

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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.

Coordinates: 53°18′37″N3°22′20″W / 53.3104°N 3.3722°W / 53.3104; -3.3722