Castle Head Defended Enclosure

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 small defended enclosure, which probably dates to the Iron Age period (c. 800 BC - AD 43). The enclosure is located on a N-facing coastal promontory above steep sea cliffs that mark the defensive circuit on the N, W and E sides and which give the site its irregular shape. It measures 70m N-S in length by 30m transversely. A bank protects the neck of the promontory on the S side and measures 20m in length, 1m in height and 6m in width. The E and W ends of the bank continue for 25m along both the E and W edges of the cliff-girt promontory before fading away. The neck is also defended by an outer ditch that measures 6m in width and 1.5m in depth. The entrance is marked by a simple gap through the bank and a causeway over the ditch. The interior may retain evidence for hut scoops.

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, layout, building techniques and functional detail.

The area to be scheduled comprises the remains described and an area around within which related evidence may be expected to survive. It is irregular in shape on plan and measures 90m N-S by 38m transversely.