Cadair Fawr settlement

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 small settlement, probably dating to the late-medieval or post-medieval periods and situated within open moorland on the sheltered east-facing slope of Cadair Fawr. The settlement comprises a number of building platforms, associated smaller structures or huts, a large enclosure and a possible mill pond with associated water management system. The settlement presumably represents the remains of several hafotai with associated features. The possible mill pond has an associated building platform; a leat, dam and possible spillway; and a system of drains further upslope, presumably built to control the possibly seasonal flow of water into the pond from springs above.

The monument is of national importance for its potential to enhance our knowledge of medieval and post medieval land use, settlement and economy. It is a relatively rare and little-understood example of an upland settlement and retains great archaeological potential to enhance our knowledge of medieval and post medieval stock rearing practices in the upland zone, whether as permanent settlement, regular transhumance, or intermittent opportunistic expansion. The associated possible mill pond and water management system further enhances the importance of the site.

The area scheduled comprises the remains described and an area around them within which related evidence may be expected to survive.