Hafod Frith Deserted Rural Settlement

Cadw's description

Summary description and reason for designation

The following provides a general description of the Scheduled Monument.

The monument comprises a well preserved example of a deserted upland rural settlement or hafod site. It consists of a large house platform measuring 14x9m, which has the stone foundations of a two-compartment house measuring 11.6x6m upon it. Also present are two large agricultural enclosures defined by earth and stone banks measuring 56x19m and 26x18m respectively and four earthen platforms, three of which show evidence of having been used to support stone structures. It is likely that the features date from different periods of construction, with the earth platforms possibly predating the main house platform and enclosures. It is possible that they were subsequently re-used to hold ancillary structures such as animal pens or storage buildings. It is likely that records dating from the late 16th century mention the site, suggesting that it was in occupation during the 16th century, although an earlier date cannot be ruled out. The location of the site, close to Strata Florida Abbey, combined with the hafod placename could indicate medieval origins and use as an upland summer pasture base.

The site has archaeological importance because of its good state of preservation, the variety of surviving features present and the lack of subsequent disturbance. The monument is of national importance for its potential to enhance our knowledge of medieval settlement. The monument forms an important element within the wider medieval context and the scheduled area may be expected to contain a wide range of archaeological information, including chronological detail and evidence in regard to construction techniques and agricultural methods. Rectangular huts may be part of a larger cluster of settlements and their importance can be further enhanced by their group value.

The scheduled area comprises the remains described and areas around them within which related evidence may be expected to survive.