Bryn Alyn Camp

Cadw's description

Summary description and reason for designation

The following provides a general description of the scheduled ancient monument.

The monument comprises the remains of a defended enclosure, which probably dates to the Iron Age period (c. 800 BC - AD 74, the Roman conquest of Wales). Inland promontory forts are usually located on a ridge or spur with steep slopes on 2 or 3 sides, and artificial ramparts on the level approaches. Alternatively they may have been constructed on a promontory above the confluence of two rivers, or in the bend of a meander. Bryn Alyn Camp is an elongated enclosure, c.178m from north to south by 62m, and set upon the summit of a promontory. It is all but surrounded by a deep meander of the River Alun. It partly incorporates, and makes use of in its own defences, Wat's Dyke. It is defined on the north by three banks and an outer ditch, and by double ramparts facing east. The west side rests on steep slopes above the river. There is a south facing entrance. Aerial photographs show a further banked oval enclosure springing from the south-east of Bryn Alyn, c.120m from northwest to south-east by 100m, occupying the nab-end of the promontory.

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.