Cof Cymru: National Historic Assets of Wales · Wales
Twyn Llechfaen Hillfort
Llanfrynach, Powys, Wales
A scheduled monument in Llanfrynach, Powys, recorded as Hillfort (Prehistoric).
The record
- Designation
- Scheduled monument
- Site type
- Hillfort
- Period
- Prehistoric
- Date of designation
- 7 December 1998
- Community
- Llanfrynach
- Unitary authority
- Powys
- Country
- Wales
- Coordinates (centre of the scheduled area)
- 51.95293, -3.33695
- SAM number
- BR247
- Cadw record number
- 1550
Slide toward Today to fade the historical sheet and see the modern map underneath.
David Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford LibrariesDavid Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford LibrariesDavid Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford LibrariesDavid Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford LibrariesDavid Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford Libraries
5 historical maps cover this location, the earliest the 1608 map "(13) Cambriae Typus." (David Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford Libraries).
Historical maps covering this location
- 1608 · (13) Cambriae Typus. (David Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford Libraries)
- 1636 · Cornubia : Devonia, Somersetus, Dorcestria, Wiltonia, Glocestria ... (David Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford Libraries)
- 1637 · Particular description of Wales. Cambria seu Wallia (David Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford Libraries)
- 1856 · 42. Brecon. (David Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford Libraries)
- 1901 · Sheet 14. (David Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford Libraries)
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). Twyn Llechfaen is a small univallate hillfort, which is defensively sitauted on a prominent natural hillock offering commanding views of the surrounding area. The hillfort is bounded by a single rampart which stands up to 4m in height. The interior of the site measures 90m NW/SE by 63m. The hillfort was subject to excavation by H.N. Savory in 1959, which revealed the presence of an outer ditch the material from which had been used to construct the bank. Sandstone revetment was also identified, as well as evidence for a possible structure on the W side of the entrance. Trenches excavated within the interior of the hillfort revealed a sub-rectangular hut floor near the centre of the site. Finds included pottery of 3rd/4th century BC date, slingstones, animal bones and an iron object.
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.
Nearby in the register
- Barn at WaunmynichAgriculture and Subsistenceunder 1 mi
- Waunmynich FarmhouseDomesticunder 1 mi
- Kitchen and Granary range at WaunmynichDomesticunder 1 mi
- Castle Mound 800m NNW of Ty'n-y-CaeauMotteunder 1 mi
Other entries of the same register within about three miles of this one, by straight line.