Cof Cymru: National Historic Assets of Wales · Wales
Caer Euni Camp
Llandderfel, Gwynedd, Wales
The record
- Designation
- Scheduled monument
- Site type
- Hillfort
- Period
- Iron Age
- Community
- Llandderfel
- Unitary authority
- Gwynedd
- Country
- Wales
- Coordinates (centre of the scheduled area)
- 52.95966, -3.48946
- SAM number
- ME015
- Cadw record number
- 547
Slide toward Today to fade the historical sheet and see the modern map underneath.
David Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford LibrariesDavid Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford LibrariesLlyfrgell Genedlaethol Cymru – The National Library of WalesDavid Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford LibrariesDavid Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford Libraries
Shown on 5 historical map sheets, the earliest the 1795 "To Sir Watkin Williams-Wynn Bart ... the map of the six counties of North Wales is most humbly inscribed by his obedient humble servant" (Llyfrgell Genedlaethol Cymru – The National Library of Wales).
Cadw's description
Summary description and reason for designation
The following provides a general description of the Scheduled Monument.
The monument comprises the remains of a hillfort, which probably dates to the Iron Age period (c.800 BC - AD74, the Roman conquest of Wales). Hillforts are usually located on hilltops and surrounded by a single or multiple earthworks of massive proportions. Hillforts must have formed symbols of power within the landscape, while their function may have had as much to do with ostentation and display as defence.
Caer Euni Camp is located on a narrow ridge between the Ffrauar and Lleidiog river valleys. The size of the defences and its subsequent enlargement, suggest that the site was of some importance. The earlier phase of the hillfort measured approximately 200 meters in length, which was later increased to approximately 315 meters. This later development included the strengthening of the hillfort’s defences and the excavation of a large rock-cut ditch. Aerial photographic analysis of the central area has revealed the presence 25 circular patches. The circles measure 5 to 7 meters in diameter and may indicate the presence of ploughed-out hut circles or storage pits.
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.
Nearby in the register
- Caer Euni Stone CirclesRing Cairnunder 1 mi
- Former Stable Block at Gwern-y-braichdwr including adjoining Revetment WallAgriculture and Subsistenceunder 1 mi
- Barn at Gwern-y-braichdwrAgriculture and Subsistenceunder 1 mi
- Gwern-y-braichdwrDomesticunder 1 mi
Other entries of the same register within about three miles of this one, by straight line.