Craig y Ddinas Hillfort

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). It occupies a long narrow limestone promontory which rises above the confluence of the Afon Mellte and Afon Sychryd. The site is defended around the majority of its circumference by sheer cliffs that drop to the rivers below. At the NE end of the promontory are two linear banks built of limestone rubble which defend the E and N sides. The W (inner) rampart consists of a substantial rubble bank, up to 2.5m high and 4m wide and extends for around 150m, turning to the N at the E end. A later field wall runs along the top of the rampart. At the W end the old road from Penderyn to Neath enters the hillfort at what may have been the original entrance. The E (outer) rampart is of similar construction, up to 2.2m high and 3m wide, and extending for approximately 100m, turning sharply to the N at the E end. Both ramparts have been disturbed by later quarrying activities, and the lines of two tramways, which connected the different quarry workings, can be traced across the interior of the site.

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.