Wyle Cop 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 an earthwork/stone-built enclosure. The date or precise nature of the enclosure is unknown, but it is likely to be later prehistoric. The enclosure is situated on a hillslope and is bounded on the west by steep-sided valley. On the north side the defences comprise of two substantial ramparts. The ramparts have a maximum height of 3.7m and there is an intervening ditch. To the south, beyond the scheduled area defined by a modern hedge, there are no signs of defences, but the ground falls sharply away and probably formed the southern limit of the enclosure.

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.