Castell y Garn 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). It is located on a gentle S-facing slope. The enclosure is oval in shape on plan and encloses a noticeably dished internal area that measures 42m N-S by 50m E-W. The single earthen defensive bank has been reduced in height and spread by ploughing. It measures 10 - 12m in width and 0.5m in height internally. Externally, the bank measures 1m in height on all sides except on the S side where it measures 1.5m in height. The entrance comprises a simple gap in the E side. There is no visible trace of an external ditch, but there is a strong probability that it survives as a buried feature beneath the spread bank.

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 polygonal in shape on plan and measures 90m E-W by 80m transversely.