Cwm Criban Prehistoric Settlement

Cadw's description

Summary description and reason for designation

The following provides a general description of the Scheduled Ancient Monument.

The monument comprises the earth and stone foundations of seven hut circles probably dating to the Bronze Age (c. 2300 - 800 BC), and a series of associated irregularly shaped enclosures defined by earth and rubble banks of probable later date. The enclosures occur in two groups; a major group to the S which comprises 5 or 6 enclosures set in close proximity to a number of rectangular stone huts. To the N of this is a single large enclosure associated with 2 or 3 small paddocks. It is possible that originally the two groups formed one larger whole, the entrance surviving in the form of a faint connecting line of stones which could indicate that they were joined. It is likely that the enclosures have been used and altered for use over several phases, probably only being abandoned in the 18th/19th centuries, although the date of their original construction is unclear. The hut circles are located to the N and E of the enclosures. The hut circles are generally small in size, averaging 7m in diameter. The walls of the structures were built using stone and rubble, are between 1m and 2.5m thick and most have visible entrances on the S or E sides. There has been some disturbance to the structures, including the construction of a rifle butt within two of them, but they are largely undisturbed.

The monument is of national importance for its potential to enhance our knowledge of prehistoric domestic life and social organisation. It retains significant archaeological potential, with a strong probability of the presence of structural evidence and associated archaeological features and deposits.

The scheduled area comprises the remains described and areas around them within which related evidence may be expected to survive.