Craig Rhiwarth Ancient Village

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 - 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. Craig Rhiwarth comprises a hill-top enclosure, roughly 850m east-west by 400-500m, defined by tumbled stone walls which are pierced by several, apparently original entrances, running between precipitous crags: within this walled area are about 170 circular structures from 4.0m to 12m in diameter, including three double, concentric circles: also present are several rectangular buildings, one of which is said to have been in use, as a hafod, into the 19th century.

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.