Cwm Dyli Ancient Village

Summary description and reason for designation

The following provides a general description of the Scheduled Ancient Monument.

The monument comprises the remains of a series of 10 round huts, in two groups linked by a number of field walls. The huts lie on a narrow shelf which runs N-S above the Afon Trawsnant. The S group, of five huts, contains three well-preserved huts, the other two being just visible as low banks. All are round. Hut 1 is 7 m in diameter with walls up to 0.3 m high and 1.2 m wide. The entrance is on the E side. A one-metre-square hole has been dug in the centre of the hut; the spoil, which is alongside, is now grassed over. Hut 2 is marked by a very low grass bank with some stone showing through. It is about 6m in diameter, with the entrance on the E. Hut 3 is similar to Hut 2 but not as clearly defined. Hut 4 is well preserved, about 7m in internal diameter with walls 1.25 m thick and 0.25 m high. The entrance is on the E, 1.25 m wide. The jambs are still visible. Hut 5 is 6 m in internal diameter, with grass-grown walls 0.25 m high. The entrance was probably on the W. A number of grass-covered stone walls run between the huts, and one encircles all the huts, forming an enclosed settlement, and then continuing on to the N group of huts.
The N group also contains five huts. Hut 6 is barely visible, and is marked by a semi-circular grass bank, which indicates an internal diameter of 5 m. Hut 7 is just visible as a very low grass bank. Hut 8 is well preserved, 8 m in internal diameter with grass-covered stone walls 0.3 m high. Hut 9 is very well preserved, with walls [up to] 1 m high from the outside and 0.75 m from the inside. The inside floor level is 0.5 m above the outside level. The hut has an internal diameter of 9.5 m, and the entrance was on the E. A section has been dug through the hut floor, and also around the inside of the wall. All the surfaces are now grassed over. Hut 10 has an internal diameter of 6 m, with walls 0.6 m high and an entrance on the W. A section or gully has also been dug through the floor of this hut. Traces of additional field walls lie on the slope E of the site.

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.