Western Camp

Summary description and reason for designation

The following provides a general description of the Scheduled Ancient Monument.

The monument comprises the remains of a defended enclosure, which probably dates to the Iron Age period (c. 800 BC - AD 74, the Roman conquest of Wales). It is located on a ridge on the edge of a steep west facing escarpment. It is defined by a single bank and ditch that is best preserved at the north where the bank measures 1.3m high internally and 2m high externally. The bank reduces to the east and south where it has been denuded by ploughing, on the west the steep natural scarp provided protection. The enclosed area measures 45m east to west and is presently discernible over a distance of 60m north to south though earlier mapping indicates this may represent part of an enclosure that was originally over twice that length.

The monument is of national importance for its potential to enhance our knowledge of later prehistoric defensive organisation and settlement. 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 importance of the monument is further enhanced by the group value and association with the adjacent hillfort Llanfilo Camp (BR040).

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