Castell Pyr

Cadw's description

Summary description and reason for designation

The following provides a general description of the Scheduled Ancient Monument.

The monument comprises a promontory fort that probably dates from the Iron Age (c. 800 BC - 43 AD). It is triangular in shape and occupies a plateau overlooking the confluence of the rivers Teifi and Nant Cwm-du, the steep natural slopes of which define the N and SW sides of the fort respectively. The defences on the E side consist of two ramparts. The outer bank measures up to c. 4m tall and 110m long. The inner bank measures c. 2m tall and 90m long. The outer ditch measures 3m wide by 1.5-2m deep. The area between the two banks has the appearance of a ditch at the N end, but lessens as the banks diverge to the S. The fort's entrance is located at the N end of the defences. The enclosure measures c. 76m E-W by 73 N-S, but no surface features can be observed.

The monument is of national importance for its potential to enhance our knowledge of prehistoric defensive and settlement practices. The monument is well preserved and is an important relic of the prehistoric landscape. It retains significant archaeological potential, with a strong probability of the presence of archaeological materials and structural evidence beneath the current ground surface.

The area scheduled comprises the remains described and an area around within which related evidence may be expected to survive. It is an irregular polygon in shape and measures 165m N-S by 185m transversely.