Coed y Caerau 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 hillfort, which probably dates to the Iron Age period (c. 800 BC - AD 74, the Roman conquest of Wales). The Coed y Caerau hillfort comprises a roughly triangular univallate enclosure on an area of gently sloping north-facing ground on the northern slopes of Clawdd Coch, 2km S of Llanfrynach. On the eastern side of the site is a deep ravine with a small stream flowing through it, while to the north the ground rises steeply. The hillfort measures 102m NE/SW by 109m SE/NE and covers an area of 0.86ha. The defences on the northern side of the site comprise an outward facing scarp with a drystone revetment wall, which stands to around 1m in height at the western end. On the eastern side the defences have been denuded by erosion and quarrying. In contrast, on the western and northern side the bank is substantial, surviving to around 4m in height. An external ditch, up to 3m deep, survives on the northern and western sides. There are three breaks in the ramparts, at the northern, western and southern corners, which may be original entrances although may also be more modern features.

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.