Gaer Fawr

Cadw's description

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). Inland promontory forts are usually located on a ridge or spur with steep slopes on 2 or 3 sides, and artificial ramparts on the level approaches. The site comprises an oval bivallate enclosure situated on the crest of a south-facing escarpment defended on the south side by a preciptious natural escarpment and on the north side by ramparts. The two low rampart banks are much denuded, the inner one surviving to a height of 2m and the outer one now not much more than a scarp. A shallow ditch separates the two banks. The area enclosed by the defences measures 150m E/W by 35m N/S. There is a simple entrance at the eastern end, between the end of the rampart and the cliff edge.

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