Pen-llys Earthwork

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 an earthwork enclosure. The date or precise nature of the enclosure is unknown, but it is likely to be later prehistoric or medieval. The site comprises a D-shaped enclosure measuring 13m NE/SW by 12m NW/SE situated on the edge of a rock escarpment, which forms the southern edge of the monument. The enclosure bank stands to a maximum height of 1m internally and 2m externally. Traces of a ditch can be seen around the outside of the bank, and this is most pronounced on the E side where a second bank rises from the E edge of the ditch. The second bank is up to 2m high, measured from the base of the ditch and around 1m high on the E side. To the E of this second ditch is a possible bailey, defined on the N side by a natural scarp and on the E end by a slight bank and ditch.

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.