Bipartite enclosure 1km SSE of Pen Allt-Mawr, Cwm Banw

Summary description and reason for designation

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

The monument comprises a pair of conjoined, irregular enclosures defined by substantial collapsed stone walls and scarps between 3 and 4.5m wide. They occupy an E - W sloping shelf, high above a western tributary of Cwm Banw at 490m OD. The uphill and western enclosure is a rhomboid measuring a maximum 37m (N-S) x 30m (E-W) and the downhill, eastern enclosure is sub-oval, measuring approximately 48m (N-S) x 30m. They are separated by a steep scarp. There are possible entrances on the southern sides of both enclosures but no signs of interconnection between the two or of any associated structures. It is unclear whether the two are of contemporary construction. In a high and exposed position, remote from known settlement, it is likely that they functioned as stock enclosures, probably of prehistoric origin, although later use is possible.

This monument is of national importance for its potential to enhance our understanding of upland exploitation in the Black Mountains. The enclosures are of unusual form, are well preserved and potentially of more than one period of use. A smaller subdivided enclosure of very similar construction (BR417) lies approximately 500m to theNE.

The scheduled area comprises the remains described and the area around them within which related evidence might be expected to survive. It is circular in plan and measures 85m in diameter.