Half Moon Camp

Cadw's description

Summary description and reason for designation

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

The monument consists of the remains of an earthwork enclosure probable dating to the Iron Age (c. 800BC - AD74). It is situated at 150m above OD on the southern edge of a spur overlooking Margam Abbey. Oval on plan, the single rampart encloses an area approximately 0.2 of a hectare. The rampart is and is enclosed by a single is best preserved on the north-east, where it is about 9m wide and 1m high. On the south, this has been reduced to a scarp set above a steep natural slope, and the line of defences on this side may have been obscured by slippage. On the west the rampart survives on a similar scale to the north-east section. On the north, the defences are crossed and largely obscured by a modern wall and field 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, 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.