Nant Castell Camp

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 Iron Age promontory fort, probably dating to the period c.800 BC - AD74, the Roman conquest of Wales. It occupies a flat-topped promontory commanding the steep-sided valley W of Mynydd Tirycwmwd.

The site comprises a sub-rectangular enclosure approximately 40m north-south by 24m, resting on steep natural slopes to the south and east defined by ramparts and a stone-revetted wall. On the north and west sides a second similar, but ditched, defensive circuit runs about 12-16m from the first, with a third section of rampart and ditch as a northern spur.

The site is of particular interest because of the size of the defences compared to the small interior, and because the site is overlooked by another hillfort on the opposite side of the valley (Pen-y-Gaer, CN221). Both forts benefit from all-round views with the most significant being the view between them and along the ravine that separates them, along which now runs the A499. The views eastward to the sea are also significant.

The monument is of national importance for its potential to enhance our knowledge of prehistoric settlement and defence. It retains significant archaeological potential, with a strong probability of the presence of associated archaeological features and deposits. The structures themselves may be expected to contain archaeological information concerning chronology and building techniques. The location of the site immediately opposite a similar monument of roughly the same date adds to its significance and group value.

The scheduled area comprises the remains described and areas around them within which related evidence may be expected to survive.