Castle Ring

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 enclosure. The date or precise nature of the enclosure is unknown, but it is likely to be later prehistoric or medieval. Castle Ring is set on the edge of a spur overlooking the Walton Basin, but the natural slopes only really afford any protection on the south-west. It is roughly oval in shape, measuring c.136m north-west to south-east by c.106m, though there is an angular corner on the north. The defences consist of a bank up to c.3m high above the bottom of a c.3m-wide ditch, with an external counterscarp bank up to c.1.5m high; the latter is only really clearly marked on the south-west and north-west, though a short section survives on the north-east. There are simple entrance gaps at the north-west and south-east.

The monument is of national importance for its potential to enhance our knowledge of later prehistoric or medieval defensive organisation and settlement. The site forms an important element within the wider 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.