Caer Argoed

Cadw's description

Summary description and reason for designation

The following provides a general description of the Scheduled Monument.

The monument comprises the remains of a hillfort, which probably dates to the Iron Age period (c. 800 BC - AD 74, the Roman conquest of Wales). Hillforts are usually located on hilltops and surrounded by a single or multiple earthworks of massive proportions, and must have formed symbols of power within the landscape, while their function may have had as much to do with ostentation and display as defence. Caer Argoed occupies the summit of a rounded ridge c.170m above sea level. On its south, the land falls steeply to the Afon Wyre, while elsewhere the slopes are gentler. A single line of defences stands up to c.2m high externally but only c.0.15m high internally, and is roughly triangular in plan, reflecting the contour of the hill. It measures c.89m east-west by c.84m and encloses c.0.43ha. The location of the entrance is not clear. A small rectangular annexe on the north-west, measuring internally c.40m north-north-west to east-south-east by c.30m, is defended by a single rampart except on its north-west side. Here there is a double bank and ditch, both the banks standing c.2.5m high; this may suggest that the main approach, which would have demanded the most impressive defences, was seen as being from this side. Aerial photographs in parched conditions show a further ditch, which may originally have supported a palisade, running roughly concentric with and c.50m-70m from the main enclosure on the north-east side.

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.