Enclosure on Cockit Hill

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 hillfort is located on a flattened area on the first rise of the narrow ridge of Cockit Hill. It is near triangular in shape and measures 60m by 30m, defined by natural slopes on its western, eastern and northern sides. The fourth side is defended by a single stretch of bank and ditch which serves to cut off this promontory from the rest of the ridge. The hillfort may have been re-used in the 8th to 9th century as a cross ridge dyke. It is in close proximity to a probable comtempory enclosure situated on the lower slopes of the ridge.

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.