Pen-y-Cloddiau Camp

Cadw's description

Summary description and reason for designation

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

Penycloddiau Hillfort comprises the remains of a 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. Penycloddiau is one of the largest prehistoric monuments in the U.K, covering approximately 21ha, and situated on a prominent mountain ridge above the Vale of Clwyd. It is a contour, multi-vallate hillfort, with varying numbers of ramparts depending upon the topography. The ramparts consist of outer banks and inner ditches, and would originally been topped with a wooden palisade. There are three ramparts in the east, north-east, and north, with two in the north-west, and one in the south-west, south and south-east. Two entrances are located on the eastern side. The interior of the hillfort contains a number of building platforms, originally occupied by roundhouses. Excavations by Liverpool University between 2012 and 2018 have revealed further information regarding the construction of the ramparts and roundhouses.

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.