Fan 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 a hillfort, which probably dates to the Iron Age period (c. 800 BC - AD 74, the Roman conquest of Wales) and which is located on a locally prominent summit between the Afon Dulais and Afon Tywi. It consists of irregular shaped hilltop enclosure defended by steep natural slopes on the east and earthworks on the gentler western approach. A scarp 3.4m high with traces of an inner bank has a simple in-turned entrance located at the midpoint from which two lesser banks splay out to enclose further areas north and south, the northern ends on the steep slope, the southern curves around to become a scarp along the hillside before fading out. 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.

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.