Y Garth Camp

Cadw's description

Summary description and reason for designation

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

Y Garth Camp comprises the remains of a defended enclosure. Such monuments probably date to the Iron Age period (c. 800 BC - AD 74), although several are known to date from the Late Bronze Age with activity through to the early post-Roman period. Y Garth Camp, also known as Pwll y Clai Enclosure, is situated on a low spur above the valley of the Clwedog to the east. It consists of a double banked sub-circular enclosure, c.76m in diameter, c.114m overall diameter. Further earthwork defences have probably been ploughed-out on the east side leaving the semi-circular earthworks which survive today.

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.