Llys-Brychan Roman Site

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 building complex, which dates to the Romano-British period (c. AD 70 - 410). Indications are that the site may have been a rural villa built to emphasise the high status, wealth and Romanised cultural values of the landed elite of the local native tribe. Excavated in 1961 remains extend over an area about 10m x 3m and comprise the foundations of two or possibly three rooms, part of a north east to south west-range, the walls of dressed stone banded with lime mortar and the floors of opus signinum. On one floor were two pillars of soft red tiles likely to be supports for a raised floor. A room of later date abutted on the south side, the buildings were built round a courtyard and the complex was of considerable size. Finds included hypocaust tiles, painted wall plaster, roofing slates and two fragments of mortarium. Pottery and coins suggest occupation from circa 200 AD to the late fourth century.

The monument is of national importance for its potential to enhance our knowledge of Romano-British rural settlement and socio-economic organisation. The feature forms an important element within the wider context of Romano-British society in Wales and retains significant archaeological potential. Villas are often part of a larger cluster of rural and urban settlements and their importance can further enhanced by their group value.

The scheduled area comprises the remains described and areas around them within which related evidence may be expected to survive.