Talgarth 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 promontory enclosure, which probably dates to the Iron Age period (c. 800 BC - AD 74, the Roman conquest of Wales). It is situated on a steep sided spur above a tributary stream of the River Enig. The level approach to the east and north east is defended by a pair of curving artificial banks that have possible traces of an outer ditch. The area enclosed measures approximately 200m east to west by 150m north to south. The banks are well preserved except at the north east end where they have been denuded by ploughing. At the south end the inner bank is up to 3.1m high on the inside and 5.6m high on the outside the outer bank rising another 3.6m. Both banks appear to stop short of the escarpments at either end suggesting there may have been two entrances.

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.