Castell S of Pen-y-Foel

Summary description and reason for designation

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

The monument comprises the remains of an earthwork enclosure. The date or precise nature of the enclosure is unknown, but it is likely to be later prehistoric or medieval. This site is sub-rectangular, measuring between c.60 and c.70m along each side, enclosing about 0.4ha, and is situated on a weak promontory with slopes to the west and north. The enclosure is defended on the east and south by an imposing bank and ditch standing c.2.5m high internally and c.3 to 4m high externally above the bottom of the wide ditch. The defences are best preserved on the east, and gradually decline in strength along the south to dwindle to nothing on the south-west. On the west and north, there is a slight scarping of the slope. The defences are all used as modern field boundaries, except for that on the east, though on the south the boundary runs along the ditch rather than the bank.

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.