Howelston 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 moderately steep E-facing slope and is locally situated upon an inland promontory overlooking a valley. It is sub-rectangular in shape and measures 50m NW-SE by 30m transversely. The defensive circuit is marked on the N and W sides by an L-shaped bank and outer ditch; steep scarps provide natural defence on the S and E sides, although there are also slight traces of a bank on the S side. The bank measures 55m in length, 1m in height and a maximum of 10m in width. The ditch measures 0.5m in depth and 5m in width.

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 importance of the monument is further enhanced by the group value it shares with the adjacent sites of Little Haven Enclosed Settlement (PE456) and Woodland Rath (PE191).

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 85m N-S by 60m transversely.