Craig-Gwrtheyrn

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 a hillfort, which probably dates to the Iron Age period (c. 800 BC - AD 74, the Roman conquest of Wales). Hillforts are usually Iocated on hilltops and surrounded by a single or multiple earthworks of massive proportions. Hillforts must have formed symbols of power within the landscape, while their function may have had as much to do with ostentation and display as defence.

This hillfort covers an area of 5½ acres. It has a rough stone type of enclosure and hut circles (vestiges) remain in the vallum. The interior contains a number of circular hollows. The entrance is on the gentlest slope to the south west where there are two additional ramparts covering the road up. The entrance is sunken below the present level of the fosse and walled to some extent on either side. There are traces of cobbled floor at this point.

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.