Earthwork 675m W of Dan-y-Cefn

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 well preserved castle-ringwork, which dates to the early part of the medieval period (c. AD 1066 - 1485). The earthwork lies in a field of semi-improved pasture immediately north of the Afon Tarell and immediately south of the A470. The ringwork survives as a sub-rectangular enclosure surrounded by a gently sloping bank with a slight ditch on the external western side. The bank encloses an area measuring 26m east/west by 23m north/south. The bank on the northern side is 0.8m high on the external edge and 1m high on the internal edge, on the eastern and western sides the bank is 0.8m high on the external edge and 0.4m high on the internal edge. On the southern side there is no bank, the steep scarp on the northern side of the Afon Tarell forming the edge of the ringwork.

The monument is of national importance for its potential to enhance our knowledge of medieval settlement, organisation and defence. The site forms an important element within the wider medieval landscape. It is well preserved and retains considerable archaeological potential. There is a strong probability of the presence of evidence relating to chronology, layout, 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.