Castle Field Camp E Of Craig-Llywn

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 hillfort which probably dates to the Iron Age period (c. 800 BC - AD 74). This hillfort is on a prominent knoll just above the 100m contour forming a spur of the Cefn Mably Ridge. Though on so comparitively low a level; it commands magnificent views in practically all directions, and the fall is especially steep on the north and south sides. The fort is sub-rectangular in outline, longer east-west than north-south. The largest bank is on the west side, where it has an external height of 1.7m-2m and an internal height of 0.7m-1m. Outside it, except where the old lime workings have intruded at the northern end, is a slight ditch, c. 5m wide and 0.6m deep. An old farm track towards the north end has worn the bank down slightly, and another at the south end cut off the southern end of the bank. On the north side the ground drops below the fort and there is no bank, but a steep drop of 2.5m-3m, followed by a level berm and a further drop. At the east end there is similarly no bank, but a drop of 1.5m-1.7m. At the north end the berm becomes a shallow ditch, 4m wide and with an outer depth of 0.7m. This flattens out towards the south into a wide berm, 16-20m wide. Below this is another drop of 1-1.5m, which peters out at the south end. There is no bank or ditch on the south side, where the road cuts into the side of the fort.

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.