St Julian's Wood Camp

Cadw's description

Summary description and reason for designation

The monument comprises the remains of a defended enclosure, which probably dates to the Iron Age period (c. 800 BC - AD 74, the Roman conquest of Wales). Defended enclosures are usually located on high ground and are protected by artificial ramparts consisting of banks and ditches.

The camp is situated on the upper slopes of Christchurch ridge overlooking the Usk valley to the north. It consists of faint traces of banks and ditches on a NW facing slope. There is a scarp of 0.6 - 2m with a faint external ditch at its southern end. A possible low bank running NW-SE at right angles to the scarp, c. 0.2m high can also be traced. Aerial photographs indicate that the site was turned over to allotments during WWII, which may account for the reduction of the well-marked earthwork shown on early Ordnance Survey maps.

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.