Ffridd Mathrafal Hillfort

Cadw's description

Summary description and reason for designation

The monument, known as Ffridd Mathrafal, comprises the remains of a multivallate defended enclosure which probably dates to the Iron Age period (c.800 BC - AD 74, the Roman conquest of Wales). It is located in a defensive position on a promontory of land overlooking the Afon Efyrnwy. It consists of an oval-shaped earthwork complex measuring 155m in length E-W by 95m in width N-S and defined by a series of ramparts. At the eastern end is an oval enclosure measuring 60m in length E-W by 35m in width N-S, defined by a single bank and external ditch. On the western and southern sides are two further sets of ramparts enclosing additional areas of the hilltop. Two short stretches of curved bank and ditch at the western end of the enclosure, beyond the main circuit of the ramparts, may relate to a fortified entrance. The steeply sloping ground provides natural defences on the northern and eastern sides of the enclosure. The defensive earthworks are clearly defined and well preserved, measuring c. 1-1.5m in height, with external ditches visible in places. The defences are tree covered whilst the domed interior, once tree covered, has been clear-felled and is now used for rough grazing.

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 a well-preserved earthwork monument and retains considerable archaeological potential. There is a strong probability of the presence of buried evidence relating to chronology, building techniques and functional detail, which can also inform us about how the defended enclosure was built, occupied and abandoned.

The scheduled area comprises the remains described and areas around them within which related evidence may be expected to survive. Originally designated in 1996, the scheduled area has been positively revised to include additional outer defensive earthworks identified through LiDAR data. The scheduled area is an irregular polygon in shape centred on OS NG SJ 11899 11419. It measures 170m in length E-W by 115m in width transversely.