Rath S of St James Church

Cadw's description

Summary description and reason for designation

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

The monument comprises a small defended enclosure or rath, which probably dates to the Iron Age period (800 BC - 43 AD). Usually enclosed by a bank and ditch, raths often contsin evidence of intensive occupation. Extending to the north-east of the main bank is an oval-shaped terrace 75m by 60m, whose outer bank rises to 2m at its north-east corner where stone work is visible. There are linear earthworks visible on top of the terrace. To the south of the square motte or stronghold is a large flat field with very steeply scarped sides which may have acted as a second bailey to the medieval castle or been a secure infield to the earlier prehistoric site.

The monument is of national importance for its potential to enhance our knowledge of Iron Age settlement and social organisation. The monument forms an important element within the wider later prehistoric landscape. The structure itself may be expected to contain archaeological information in regard 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.