Defended Enclosure 350m NNW of Ty-Uchaf

Cadw's description

Summary description and reason for designation

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

The monument, also known as Crug-y-gaer, comprises the remains of a small defended enclosure or homestead, which probably dates to the Iron Age period (c. 800 BC - AD 43). The enclosure is located on a gentle E-facing slope above a break in slope overlooking the Usk Valley. It is roughly oval in shape and measures 104m NW-SE by 80m transversely. The single defensive bank is of earth and stone composition and measures a maximum of 2m in height and 6.5m in width. The entrance is located on the SE side. Short stretches of original revetment drystone walling survive to the N of the entrance on the front and rear faces of the bank. The outer ditch is visible on the W and SW sides. It measures 0.3m in depth and a maximum of 5m in width.

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 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 an area around them within which related evidence may be expected to survive. It is roughly oval in shape on plan and measures 124m NW-SE by 98m transversely.