Cwm-Pen-y-Benglog Camp

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 defended enclosure, which probably dates to the Iron Age period (c. 800 BC - AD 74, the Roman conquest of Wales) and which is set upon an inland promontory above the Afon Nyfer. The land falls away naturally on all sides except the north east where it rises gently away and where two curved banks and ditches c 75m long forma defence. The banks rise to 3m or more high and the ditches are rock-cut, both fading at the western end where the entrance was probably located. The triangular shaped interior measures c. 75m south west to north east by 65m south east to northwest.

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.