Troed y Rhiw Sion Defended Enclosure

Cadw's description

Summary description and reason for designation

The following provides a general description of the Scheduled Monument.

The monument, also known as Gaer, comprises a bivallate 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 SW-facing spur overlooking the Nant Gwrog. The inner bank is oval in shape and measures 60m in length NE-SW, 50m in width NW-SE and a maximum of 1.5m in height. A simple NW-facing gap marks the location of the entrance. A slight hollow marks the course of the ditch except on the S side. The outer defences are located 10-15m beyond the inner defences and consist of a length of bank and ditch on the N and NE sides. The bank is curvilinear and measures 1m in height. The outer ditch measures up to 0.7m in depth. Aerial photographs reveal further sub-surface details including the continuation of the outer line of defence on the W side, a possible third line of defence on the N side and a possible banked and ditched approach from the NE.

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 an area around within which related evidence may be expected to survive. It is sub-circular in shape on plan and measures a maximum of 135m in diameter.