Defended Enclosure 350m S of Clungwyn

Cadw's description

Summary description and reason for designation

The following provides a general description of the Scheduled Monument.

The monument comprises the remains of an earthwork defended enclosure, which probably dates to the Iron Age period (c. 800 BC - AD 43). The enclosure utilises two very steep and parallel slopes as part of the defences on the northwest and southeast sides, linked at either end by earthwork banks and ditches at the northeast and southwest ends, giving the site its characteristic rectangular shape. It measures 170m northeast to southwest in length by 80m transversely. The northeast bank measures 90m in length, 1.5m in height and 8m in width. The outer ditch measures 6m in width and 1m in depth. The south west bank measures 80m in length, 2m in height externally and 6m in width. It overlooks a ditch that measures 4m in width and 1m in depth. The ditch is rock-cut and flat-bottomed at the northwest end. The undulating interior slopes gently from northwest to southeast. There is a northeast to southwest aligned cross-bank towards the south end of the enclosure, which measures 0.5m in height. The location of the entrance is uncertain.

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, layout, building techniques and functional detail.

The area scheduled comprises the remains described and an area around within which related evidence may be expected to survive. It is roughly rectangular in shape on plan and measures 210m northeast to southwest by 95m transversely.