Blaen y Cylchau Deserted Rural Settlement

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 a number of rectangular huts, which probably date to the Medieval period. At least four buildings remain, including one particularly large multi-cell structure of unusual form, three rectangular dwellings and associated structures including a sunken store and animal pens.

The most prominent structure is a long multi-cell building, probably a longhouse although possibly used as a barracks for men working at the limestone quarry to the south. Alongside this are three stone built long huts. These demonstrate varying dimensions and appearance.

The monument is of national importance for its potential to enhance our knowledge of prehistoric/medieval settlement. The monument forms an important element within the wider prehistoric/medieval context and the scheduled area may be expected to contain a wide range of archaeological information, including chronological detail and evidence in regard to construction techniques and agricultural methods. Rectangular huts may be part of a larger cluster of settlement 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.