Mynydd Rhyd Ddu Enclosure

Cadw's description

Summary description and reason for designation

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

Mynydd Rhyd Du Enclosure comprises the remains of a defended enclosure or hillfort. 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. Mynydd Rhyd Du Enclosure is located on the local summit of Mynydd Rhyd Ddu and is defined by a single bank of earth and stone, with an external ditch visible in places. The hillfort measures 60m x 40m internally and the bank stands to a height of 0.8m on average. The entrance was probably on the eastern side and appears to have been defined by the use of large stone boulders. The interior of the hillfort appears relatively untouched and houses the remains of at least two hut circles measuring around 8m in diameter and defined by low banks up to 0.2m high.

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. It is rectangular and measures 100m x 75m.