Knock Rath

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 an earthwork/stone-built enclosure likely to date from the Iron Age or Romano-British period (c. 800 BC - AD 400). It is situated on the south east slope of a low ridge and consists of a single bank and ditch, enclosing a rectangular and almost square area measuring 32m by 32m. The bank is 1.3m high above the interior and 1.9m above the exterior, traces of the ditch survive on the north and west sides. The original entrance was on the south. Excavations between 1963 and 1967 revealed the bank to have an internal stone revetment wall and that the ditch was rock-cut and up to 3m deep. Two discontinuous phases of occupation were identified involving several structures including a stone built round house with which a sherd of possible Romano-British pottery was associated.

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.