Carn Alw Hillfort

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 hillfort, which probably dates to the Iron Age period (c. 800 BC - AD 74, the Roman conquest of Wales. It occupies an outcrop on the northern slopes of the Preseli Mountains which forms an eastern defence overlooking an area c 65m north to south by c 35m protected by a curving stone rampart of 0.8-1m internal height and 2-3.3m external height now spread but though with sections of dry-stone face work surviving in places. The west facing entrance through this is faced by boulders and slabs. Below the rampart on level area ground is a well-preserved chevaux-de-frise consisting of a c40m wide band of stones and boulders, densest around its perimeter, many of which are still upright which was designed to disable an attack at speed by foot or horse. There is a track through this defined by larger stones approaching the entrance. The fort appears to have been the focus for an extensive complex of enclosures & associated features extending about 800m north-west to south-east by 500m which may not necessarily have been contemporaneous.

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 but excludes the surrounding complex of enclosures.