Castell Pengegin

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. Castell Pengegin is defended onn the northwest and west by double bank and ditches set across a promontory that is naturally defened on the other sides by steep slopes down to the River Gwaun. The curving defence is c100m long; the inner bank rises 1.3m to 1.6m above the fort's interior and 4m to 5m above the ditch outside it, the outer bank rises 3.2m above this ditch and then 2m above an outer ditch. Overall the defensive system is 25m wide. The area enclosed measures c65m east to west c55m north to south. The entrance is to the south 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.