Iron Age Enclosure in Kilkiffeth Wood

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. The date or precise nature of which is unknown, but it is likely to be later prehistoric or medieval. The enclosure is located on a weak promontory on the side of the Gwaun valley and is overlooked by higher ground to the south. An area of approximately 80m east to west by and 54mnorth to south is enclosed by a single bank and ditch; these are slight on the west side where the valley sides are steepest. Elsewhere the bank rises to c. 2m above the ditch externally though only 0.4m above the interior. A stretch of rubble on the south side may be the remains of collapsed wall. The entrance on the southwest side is lined by several large boulders. There is no trace of internal habitation.

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.