Defended Enclosure 300m NW of Closbach

Cadw's description

Summary description and reason for designation

The following provides a general description of the Scheduled Monument.

The monument, also known as Pen y Gaer, comprises the remains of an inland promontory fort, which probably dates to the Iron Age period (c. 800 BC - AD 43). The enclosure is located on a south-facing spur above steep slopes that mark the defensive circuit on the west, south and east sides. A curvilinear and E-W aligned bank and ditch protects the neck of the promontory on the north side. The bank measures 100m in length, 2.5m in height and 4m in width. The outer ditch measures up to 2m in width and 1m in depth. The location of the entrance is uncertain, but may be situated at the east end where the bank appears to be inturned. The interior is oval in shape on plan and measures 95m north to south by 85m east to west. A hollow located in the northeast corner of the interior may represent the location of a roundhouse.

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. It 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 them within which related evidence may be expected to survive. It is an irregular polygon in shape and measures 115m in length (north northeast to south southwest) by 105m transversely.