Gron-Gaer

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 74, the Roman conquest of Wales). Defended enclosures are usually located on high ground and are protected by artificial ramparts consisting of banks and ditches.

Gron Gaer stands at about 70m above OD about a kilometre south of Pen-clawdd on a spur defended naturally on the west by a sharp fall into a ravine, and to a less extent on the north by a re-entrant valley. Thre is no defence on the south, where the ground falls gently, but the east side, where the ground rises very gently, is defended by a bank running in a curve slightly convex to the east and traceable for 37m; the area enclosed is about 0.1ha. The bank is 10m wide at the base, nearly 2m high internally and 1m externally. There is a suggestion of a turn towards the west at its north end. The bank has a curiously isolated air and the defences appear to be unfinished.

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.