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Cof Cymru: National Historic Assets of Wales · Wales

Caerau Gaer

Llanddewi Velfrey, Pembrokeshire, Wales

A scheduled monument in Llanddewi Velfrey, Pembrokeshire, recorded as Enclosure - Defensive (Prehistoric).

Ordnance Survey six-inch map, 2nd edition (1888–1913) covering the location of Caerau Gaer, Llanddewi Velfrey, Pembrokeshire, with a pin at the register's coordinates
Ordnance Survey six-inch map, 2nd edition (1888–1913), covering this location. Courtesy of the National Library of Scotland. The pin is ours, placed from the register's coordinates.

The record

Designation
Scheduled monument
Site type
Enclosure - Defensive
Period
Prehistoric
Date of designation
18 May 1950
Community
Llanddewi Velfrey
Unitary authority
Pembrokeshire
Country
Wales
Coordinates (centre of the scheduled area)
51.81249, -4.69982
SAM number
PE176
Cadw record number
2678

Slide toward Today to fade the historical sheet and see the modern map underneath.

David Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford Libraries

5 historical maps cover this location, the earliest the 1636 map "Cornubia : Devonia, Somersetus, Dorcestria, Wiltonia, Glocestria ..." (David Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford Libraries).

Historical maps covering this location

  • 1636 · Cornubia : Devonia, Somersetus, Dorcestria, Wiltonia, Glocestria ... (David Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford Libraries)
  • 1830 · V.3:11-15:XV. Britisches Reich. A. Kon: England. b. Frstenthum Wales: Shire: 37-40 (David Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford Libraries)
  • 1891 · Sheet 10. Ordnance Survey of England and Wales. . (David Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford Libraries)
  • 1898 · 228 Haverfordwest (Hills) (David Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford Libraries)
  • 1901 · Sheet 13. (David Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford Libraries)

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This record in Cadw's own full report ↗

Cadw's description

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

The monument comprises the remains of an earthwork enclosure. The date or precise nature of the enclosure is unknown, but it is likely to be later prehistoric or medieval. Caerau Gaer is situated on the slight slopes of a hilltop north of the Afon Marlais and comprises an oval shaped enclosure with its entrance on the west with an annexe to the east side. The main enclosure is defended by a single bank and ditch. The bank survives to a height of 1.6m - 2m externally and internally up to 1.5m though generally less. The ditch is only clearly visible along a 46m section on the east side. The area enclosed measures approximately 105m north to south and 88m east to west. The eastern annexe has two widely spaced banks; the inner about 55m from the main enclosure, the outer another 30m further out. Both these banks are ploughed out and only visible for a length of about 90m surviving to a height of 0.3m - 0.6m. The annexe will have enclosed an area of approximately 110m north to south by 70m east to west.

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.

Nearby in the register

Other entries of the same register within about three miles of this one, by straight line.

Designated Historic Asset GIS Data, The Welsh Historic Environment Service (Cadw), 2026-09-07, licensed under the Open Government Licence http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3/ Cadw, the Welsh Historic Environment Service · Open Government Licence v3.0
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