Cof Cymru: National Historic Assets of Wales · Wales
Syke Rath
Walwyn's Castle, Pembrokeshire, Wales
The record
- Designation
- Scheduled monument
- Site type
- Promontory Fort - inland
- Period
- Prehistoric
- Date of designation
- 7 June 1950
- Community
- Walwyn's Castle
- Unitary authority
- Pembrokeshire
- Country
- Wales
- Coordinates (centre of the scheduled area)
- 51.75082, -5.08413
- SAM number
- PE190
- Cadw record number
- 349
Slide toward Today to fade the historical sheet and see the modern map underneath.
David Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford LibrariesDavid Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford LibrariesDavid Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford LibrariesDavid Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford LibrariesDavid Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford Libraries
Shown on 5 historical map sheets, the earliest the 1608 "(13) Cambriae Typus." (David Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford Libraries).
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). Inland promontory forts are usually located on a ridge or spur with steep slopes on 2 or 3 sides, and artificial ramparts on the level approaches. Alternatively they may have been constructed on a promontory above the confluence of two rivers, or in the bend of a meander. Syke Rath is defended on the north by double bank with ditch in between, and on other sides by steep slopes. Entrance at noth-east where the outerbnk tuns in to meet the inner.
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
- Burnt Mound 160m E of WoodsendBurnt Moundunder 1 mi
- Rath S of St James ChurchRathunder 1 mi
- Rickeston RathRathunder 1 mi
- Church of St James the GreatReligious, Ritual and Funeraryunder 1 mi
Other entries of the same register within about three miles of this one, by straight line.