Cefn Esgair-carnau Burnt Mound

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 burnt mound, which probably dates to the Bronze Age period (c. 2300 BC - 800 BC). Burnt mounds were created from debris produced at cooking sites, where fire heated stones were used to heat water. The site is located on a flat terrace at the bottom of the W-facing flank of Cefn Esgair-carnau. It is situated in the meander of a stream near to its confluence with the Afon y Waun. The low mound is turf-consolidated, but areas of blackened earth, charcoal and heat-broken stones are visible. The mound is semi-circular in shape on plan and measures a maximum of 1.5m in height on the S side, 15m in length (NE-SW) and 10.5m in width. There is a pronounced indentation on the stream-facing (SE) side.

The monument is of national importance for its potential to enhance our knowledge of prehistoric social practices and settlement organisation. The site is well preserved and retains significant 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 circular in shape and measures 25m in diameter. It is centred on NGR SN 97733 14333.