Defended Enclosure 300m W of Pant-glas

Summary description and reason for designation

The following provides a general description of the Scheduled Monument.

The monument, also known as Parc-y-Gaer, comprises the remains of an earthwork defended enclosure, which probably dates to the Iron Age period (c. 800 BC - AD 43). The triangular-shaped enclosure is located on a narrow southwest-facing inland promontory above the confluence of two streams. Steep slopes mark the defensive circuit on the northwest and south sides. The enclosure measures 80m north east to south west in length by 70m transversely. A linear bank and ditch defended the north east side. The bank is constructed from earth and rock. It measures 60m in length, 3m in height and 12m in width. The rock-cut ditch measures 3m in width and 2m in depth. The entrance was located at the south end of the bank and was formed by the bank terminating 9m short of the steep slope. The interior is triangular in shape on plan and measures 60m north east to south west by a maximum of 70m transversely.

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 landscape. It is very 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 110m north to south by 105m transversely.