Cefn Ddwysarn Camp

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 D-shaped enclosure, some 91m long by 73m wide, with the interior measuring 80m N-S and 70m E-W, situated on a NE-facing slope. The date or precise nature of the enclosure is unknown, but it is likely to be later prehistoric or medieval.

The W side, situated on fairly level ground, is marked by a ditch with outer and inner banks. The bottom of the ditch is 1 - 1.3m below the top of the banks. The semi-circular part of the D, particularly the E side, situated on sloping ground, is marked by a double scarp, 10m apart; the outer one 1m high, the inner one 0.5m high. There is no definite entrance except for a slight flattening of the bank on the east side. Across the interior of the enclosure are a number of irregular terraces of which only the lowest, behind the bank, is clearly artificial. There are a number of boulders lying on the W side, but they form no obvious pattern and it is possible that the enclosure was unfinished. A pronounced terrace on the S (higher) side, and the remains of a rectangular structure in the SW corner indicate later disturbance.

The monument is of national importance for its potential to enhance our knowledge of prehistoric land use, settlement and economy. The site forms an important element within the wider later prehistoric context and within the surrounding landscape. It is well preserved and retains significant 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. It is roughly D-shaped on plan and measures 120m (N-S) by 110m (W-E) and is centred on SH96693818.