Geograph - photograph every grid square

The Pillar of Eliseg

It's hard to comprehend that this shaft dates from maybe 850 AD or a little earlier. It was erected by Cyngen ap Cadell, ruler of the Welsh Kingdom of Powys in memory of his warlike grandfather Elisedd ap Gwylog, who stood up successfully to the incursions of the Angles and Saxons, from whom he wrested back some Welsh territory. So really this should be the 'Pillar of Elisedd' - it is thought that his name was transcribed incorrectly by the carver.

It was originally a cross, like a Celtic cross, with a possibly rounded head. It was smashed off by Roundheads during the English Civil War. They also apparently opened a grave beneath the site, possibly a Bronze Age burial, and hoiked out a skeleton, known as 'the long man' due to his tall stature apparently. The site of the cross was possibly selected in the 9th century because it was already a monument (a prehistoric burial cairn) - excavations have only taken place recently to investigate the likelihood of this string of events. Today it is managed by Cadw.