Summerhouse 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 43). The enclosure is located on the east end of a spur between coastal cliffs to the south and a narrow steep sided valley to the north. It measures about 126m west north-west to east south-east and is defined by three banks of a stony construction and associated ditches all showing varying states of preservation. Within there is further enclosure marked by a single bank and ditch measuring about 60m west north-west to east south-east. Between the two are the remains of an 18th century summerhouse. Coastal erosion has removed as much as one quarter of the original area of the site on the south side. Such promontory forts may have represented symbols of power within the landscape and been associated with the control of coastal trade.

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, layout, 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.