Cof Cymru: National Historic Assets of Wales · Wales
Llechlwyd Hillfort
Llangelynin, Gwynedd, Wales
A scheduled monument in Llangelynin, Gwynedd, recorded as Hillfort (Prehistoric).
The record
- Designation
- Scheduled monument
- Site type
- Hillfort
- Period
- Prehistoric
- Date of designation
- 28 July 1989
- Community
- Llangelynin
- Unitary authority
- Gwynedd
- Country
- Wales
- Coordinates (centre of the scheduled area)
- 52.60749, -4.10939
- SAM number
- ME124
- Cadw record number
- 2490
Slide toward Today to fade the historical sheet and see the modern map underneath.
David Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford LibrariesDavid Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford LibrariesDavid Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford LibrariesLlyfrgell Genedlaethol Cymru – The National Library of WalesDavid Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford Libraries
5 historical maps cover this location, the earliest the 1795 map "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).
Historical maps covering this location
- 1795 · To Sir Watkin Williams-Wynn Bart ... the map of the six counties of North Wales is most… (Llyfrgell Genedlaethol Cymru – The National Library of Wales)
- 1830 · V.3:11-15:XV. Britisches Reich. A. Kon: England. b. Frstenthum Wales: Shire: 37-40 (David Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford Libraries)
- 1883 · Watershed map England, Wales 3. (David Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford Libraries)
- 1896 · Sheet 7. Ordnance Survey of England and Wales. (David Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford Libraries)
- 1901 · Sheet 9 and 10. (David Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford Libraries)
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 substantial hillfort, which probably dates to the Iron Age period (c. 800 BC - AD 74, 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. This formidable defended settlement is in a prominent position, protected by a natural cliff and very steep slope around the west, south and east. On the north and north-west there is a massive inner rampart interrupted by a well-defined in-turned entrance on the north-west. Beyond the inner rampart on the north is a deep ditch, a second bank and an outer ditch. The interior is very uneven, but does not seem to be disturbed. Another strongly defended settlement is situated some 350m to the north-north-east.
The monument is of national importance for its potential to enhance our knowledge of later prehistoric defensive organisation and settlement. 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 site forms an important element within the wider later prehistoric context and within the surrounding landscape. Its proximity to the defended settlement to the NNE adds to its interest.
The scheduled area comprises the remains described and areas around them within which related evidence may be expected to survive.
Nearby in the register
- Tal-y-Gareg CampHillfortunder 1 mi
- Well at Cefn CamberthNo class recordedunder 1 mi
- Barn, cart shed and granary at Cefn CamberthNo class recordedunder 1 mi
- Cow house and stable at Cefn CamberthNo class recordedunder 1 mi
Other entries of the same register within about three miles of this one, by straight line.