Caer y Tŵr

Cadw's description

Summary description and reason for designation

The following provides a general description of the Scheduled Monument.

Caer y Tŵr comprises a hillfort, which probably dates to the Iron Age period (c.800 BC - AD 74, the Roman conquest of Wales), situated on the top of Holyhead Mountain. It is defended by a strong 3m thick dry-stone wall enclosing some 6.9 hectares (17 acres). The wall runs round the north and east sides of the fort; the south and west sides are naturally protected by steep cliffs. The wall has not survived so well on the north west side, but on the north and east sides it survives in places to a height of nearly 3m. It has been suggested that a rampart walk was a feature of the wall, but there is less evidence for this now.

On the north east side of the fort is a simple in-turned entrance, about 3m wide, which makes use of a natural gully. The interior of the fort is rough and rocky, with no sign of any contemporary habitation sites. However, excavation has revealed the possible remains of a Roman signal station on the summit, adjacent to the Ordnance Survey trig point.

Hillforts must have formed symbols of power within the landscape, while their function may have had as much to do with ostentation and display as defence however, the location of Caer y Tŵr and its later use as a signal station indicate that views from it across the Irish Sea were important. Consequently all views from the scheduled monument are seen as important.

This monument is of national importance for its potential to enhance our knowledge of later prehistoric domestic life, social organisation and defensive practices. The site forms an important element within the wider later prehistoric context and within the surrounding landscape. The site is well preserved and retains considerable archaeological potential. There is a strong probability of the presence of evidence relating to chronology, building techniques and functional detail.

The scheduled area comprises the remains described and an area around them within which related evidence may be expected to survive.