Coed y Gaer

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 small univallate earthwork enclosure located on a steep S-facing hill slope. The site measures 97m N/S by 88m E/W, enclosing and area of 0.57 hectares. On the N side the main rampart comprises a substantial earth and stone bank with an internal height of 3.2m and an external height of 2m. On the W side the bank is only 0.2m high on the interior but 2.5m externally, and along the outer crest are the remains of a drystone wall. Around the remainder of the enclosure the banks have been reduced to an outward facing scarp between 0.3m and 1.7m high. An external ditch is visible on the N and W sides, with a maximum depth of 2.2m, but is not present on the S and E sides (and may never have been dug). At the NW corner there is a modern breach in the rampart and the ditch has been partially infilled. There is a counterscarp bank on the edge of the W ditch, between 1.3m and 2m high. The original entrance is likely to have been on the W side where there is an angled ramp-like approach across the ramparts.

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.