Mynydd Bach Camp

Cadw's description

Summary description and reason for designation

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

Mynydd Bach comprises the remains of a hillfort. Such hillforts usually date to the Iron Age period (c. 800 BC - AD 74), although several are known to date from the Late Bronze Age with activity continuing through to the early post-Roman period. Mynydd Bach is situated on a hill just to the north-west of Llanarmon-Dyffryn-Ceiriog, with steep slopes and cliffs on the west and south sides, down to the River Ceiriog, and more gentle gradients to the east and north. A routeway along the river to the west leads to the pass across the Berwyn mountains. Of note are the quantities of white quartzite rock within the hillfort, which give rise to the local name Cerrig Gwynion. Such rocks are often associated with rich mineral and metal deposits, and it is possible that as well as being situated to monitor the important route, the occupants of the hillfort were also engaged in metal mining and processing, although no evidence for this has yet been found. Subsequent Roman activity also utilised the route across the mountains, and is evidenced in the marching camp just to the west at Pen-plaennau (scheduled Monument DE296). The hillfort enclosure forms an irregular oval, c.214m east-west by 130m, defined by a single bank and ditch. There are entrances facing both east and west, whilst eight circular round-house platforms, c.9m in diameter, have been noted within the enclosure. Finds from the area include a belt or harness fitting, and a spindle whorl, both of probable Romano-British date.

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.