Porth Egr 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 defended enclosure, which probably dates to the Iron Age period (c. 800 BC - AD 43). The enclosure is roughly rectangular in shape on plan and measures 230m E-W by 65m transversely. It is located on a coastal promontory above steep sea cliffs that mark the defensive circuit on the N, W and S sides. A series of three banks and ditches protect the E side. The parallel middle and outer defences are aligned N-S and fade in height towards their ends. The inner bank is aligned NW-SE and comprises of an exposed spine of rock that has been artificially enhanced with a mound of earth at the SE end. The ditches are rock-cut and the centrally set entrance, which comprises a simple gap in the banks, is accessed via a causeway over the ditches.

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 roughly rectangular in shape on plan and measures 275m E-W by 80m transversely.