Promontory Fort SSW of Felin Cwrrws

Summary description and reason for designation

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

The monument comprises the remains of a defended enclosure, which probably dates to the Iron Age period (c. 800 BC - AD 74, the Roman conquest of Wales) but may equally date to the early Medieval period. Inland promontory forts are usually located on a ridge or spur with steep slopes on 2 or 3 sides, and artificial ramparts on the level approaches. Alternatively they may have been constructed on a promontory above the confluence of two rivers, or in the bend of a meander. This site occupies a small natural promontory forming a headland above the Afon Cynllo. The defences, which consist of a substantial bank 2.8m high with an outer ditch up to 1.5m deep, run for a distance of c.34m around the more accessible west of the promontory, enclosing a fairly level area measuring only c.30m north-south by 24m. The most likely site for an entrance is at the north end of the rampart, where there is a causeway across the ditch.

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.