Castell Moeddyn

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 hillfort, which probably dates to the Iron Age period (c. 800 BC - AD 74, the Roman conquest of Wales). Hillforts are usually Iocated on hilltops and surrounded by a single or multiple earthworks of massive proportions. Hillforts 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. Castell Moeddyn is an oval hilltop enclosure, defended on the west, north and east by a single bank and ditch c.1m to 2m high internally and c.3m to 4m externally, above the base of a ditch, best preserved on the west, which varies between 0.2m and c.1.5m deep. The defences peter out towards the south, where there are steep slopes. There are several gaps through the defences but that on the north-east is the most convincing as a position for an original entrance.

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.