Waun-Castell Camp

Cadw's description

Summary description and reason for designation

The following provides a general description of the Scheduled Ancient Monument.

The monument comprises a defended enclosure dating to the Iron Age (c.800BC - 43AD). It is situated on high ground, overlooking a steep slope and stream to the west. The site consists of a semi-circular bank and external ditch which encircles most of the site, although the western side is defended naturally by the steep slope. The ditch is a particularly fine rock-cut example, 4m wide and up to 1.7m deep, with straight sides and a flat base. To the north, east and south the perimeter of the site is defined by a bank which, when measured from the base of the ditch, rises 2m -3m in height. An outer counterscarp bank rises up to 1.5m from the base of the bank. The interior of the site is irrregular, and slopes slightly to the north and west.

The site is of national importance for its potential to enhance our knowledge of Iron Age settlement and defence. Waun Castell is of particular note for the good survival of its defences, which has strong potential to provide archaeological evidence for their construction, modification and maintenance. The generally good state of preservation also means that there is strong potential for internal features to survive within the enclosure.

The area Scheduled comprises those remains described above and an area within which related remains might be expected to survive. The proposed area is irregular in shape, and measures 80m E-W and 88m N-S, centred on NGR SM 97141 32290.