Y Gaer, Dol-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 hillfort, which probably dates to the Iron Age period (c. 800 BC - AD 74, the Roman conquest of Wales). The enclosure is D-shaped and univallate and is located on a ridge above the Taf Fechan and the Nant Callan. The ground to the W, S and SE of the site drops sharply towards the rivers but to the N and NE it rises gently. The site measures 143m NE/SW by 89m and encloses and area of around 0.75 hectares. The SE side is formed by a steep, natural scarp with no artificial defences but to the N, W and SW is a curving earthen bank with an external ditch. The bank is best preserved on the N side where is stands 1m above the interior and 2.2m above the base of the ditch. The ditch is a maximum depth of 0.8m, although it varies along its length. The entrance was probably on the SW side where there is a gap between the end of the rampart and the natural scarp. There are two modern breaks in the rampart on the N and NW sides, formed by quarrying and the insertion of field walls. At the E end of the rampart are the remains of a kiln, dug into the end of the bank.

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.