Castell-y-Gaer

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 an oval, single rampart earthwork/stone-built enclosure. There are only slight traces of an outer ditch, except on the north-west where it is well marked. The monument is 800ft east to west and 450ft north to south, enclosing an area of about 8 acres. The north-west angle is cut off by a smaller rampart, approximately rectangular in form and about 2 acres in area. Entrances to the larger area can be traced at the east and west.

The date or precise nature of the enclosure is unknown, but it is likely to be later prehistoric or medieval.

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.