Lan Enclosure

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/stone-built enclosure. The date or precise nature of the enclosure is unknown, but it is likely to be medieval. The Lan enclosure is defined by two concentric rings of banks with external ditches, an outer of diameter c. 125m, and inner c. 50m. The two rings are connected by an inturned entrance on the southern side producing a ‘corridor’ like entrance to the central enclosure. A possible second entrance break on the north-western side of the outer line could have given access to the outer enclosure which runs concentrically around the inner. The inner ring survives today as a spread earthwork bank measuring c. 10m in width and up to 0.8m in height above the level of the interior. The inner ditch is visible as a slight depression. The outer ring is present primarily as a cropmark with few surface traces.

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. It is a circle and measures 180m in diameter, centred on the enclosure.