Castell Meherin Camps

Cadw's description

Summary description and reason for designation

The following provides a general description of the Scheduled Ancient 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 Iocated 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. Castell Meherin Camps consists of two earthwork enclosures, the western enclosure being the smaller of the two and taking the form of an oval enclosure defined by a defensive bank, ditch and counterscarp bank which are best preserved on the eastern side. The eastern enclosure is approximately three times the size of the western enclosure. This oval enclosure is defined by a single bank with an annexe or outer earthwork at the eastern end.

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.