Coed Ty'n-y-Cwm Camps

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 three earthwork defended enclosures, which probably date to the Iron Age period (c. 800 BC - AD 74, the Roman conquest of Wales). Item A, also known as Cnwc y Bugail, occupies a prominent knoll on a W-facing ridge. It is triangular in shape and measures 90m N-S by 85m transversely. The single bank is well preserved on the E and S sides. The W side is marked by a break in slope. Only slight traces of an outer ditch survive. The S-facing gateway is lined with white quartz stones and protected by a D-shaped gateway annexe to the S. At least one house platform survives within. Item B, also known as Castell Disgwylfa, is located 300m S of Item A above steep W-facing slopes. The enclosure is D-shaped and measures 40m N-S by 25m transversely. The bank measures up to 3m in height externally on the N, E and S sides. Steep natural slopes define the W side. Item C is located 350m E of Item B and 450m SE of Item A. This small enclosure is located on a bluff on an E-facing ridge. It is triangular in shape and measures 60m E-W by 45m transversely. Steep natural slopes on the N, W and S sides define the enclosure. A substantial bank and outer rock-cut ditch defend the E side. The bank measures 20m in length and 1.7m in height from the bottom of the ditch. A second outer bank and rock-cut ditch is located 18m to the E. The bank measures 0.9m in height from the bottom of 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 importance of the monument is further enhanced by the group value of the defended enclosures.

The scheduled areas comprise the remains described and areas around within which related evidence may be expected to survive. Area A is centred on Item A at NGR SN 6874 7400. It is roughly D-shaped on plan and measures 120m N-S by 115m transversely. Area B is centred on Item B at NGR SN 6873 7367. It is sub-circular in shape on plan and measures 85m N-S by 75m transversely. Area C is centred on Item C at NGR SN 6909 7375. It is an irregular polygon in shape on plan and measures 130m E-W by 85m transversely.