Pen Clawdd-Mawr Defended Enclosure

Cadw's description

Summary description and reason for designation

The following provides a general description of the Scheduled Monument.

The monument comprises a defended enclosure, which probably dates to the Iron Age period (c. 800 BC - AD 74, the Roman conquest of Wales). It is located at the end of a W-facing promontory overlooking a broad valley to the NW where Nant Wysg joins the Afon Aeron. The enclosure is oval in shape and measures 130m E-W by 80m transversely. The ground falls steeply on the N, W and S sides. The level approach from the E is defended by a well-preserved single bank and ditch constructed across the promontory neck, and natural scarps on the other three sides. The bank is curvilinear and measures 2.5m in height and between 2 and 5m in width. A simple E-facing gap marks the location of the entrance. The outer ditch measures between 0.5-1m in depth and 4m in width.

The monument is of national importance for its potential to enhance our knowledge of later prehistoric defensive organisation. It forms an important element within the wider later prehistoric context and within the surrounding landscape. Although the site lies under improved pasture, much archaeological potential remains; both the interior and rampart may be expected to contain archaeological information concerning chronology, building techniques and functional detail.

The scheduled area comprises the remains described and an area around them within which related evidence may be expected to survive. It is oval in shape on plan and measures 144m E-W by 108m transversely.