Portis-Parc Camp

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 earthwork enclosure which probably dates to the Iron Age period (c. 800 BC - AD 74, the Roman conquest of Wales). It is situated on a south facing hillslope and comprises a single bank and ditch that encompasses an oval enclosure measuring c 108m north to south by 92m. the entrance is on the south and is approached through an annexe measuring 30m north to south by 20m. The whole site has been much reduced by ploughing; the banks standing to no more than 1.0m in height, except to the north and east where overlain by a hedge bank they reach 2m. Slight traces of the external ditch survive on the north and southeast.

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 but excludes the southern annexe.