Paviland 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 a narrow coastal promontory above the sea that marks part of the defensive circuit. The construction of one or more ramparts placed across the neck of the promontory divide it from the mainland.

This is another in the series of small clifftop forts on the coast between Worms Head and Port Eynon. It occupies the top of a long narrow headland, with deep valleys on either side and a sheer cliff on the seaward side. There are four lines of defence and slingstones have been found here. At the seaward end a small area is enclosed by an impressive bank of rubbly limestone, outside which is a natural depression. The entrance must have been at the east end of the bank, where there is a narrow gap between it and the cliff edge. Within this enclosure are six rough platforms - possible hut sites - which are the only signs of habitation. Further away from the sea edge are three further lines of defence - the first an apparently unfinished rock-cut ditch, the second a shallow ditch with a low bank inside it, with an entrance towards the east end and the third and outermost line a larger bank, again of limestone rubble, with an external ditch. The entrance may have been at the north-west end of the bank.

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.