Camp SW of Castell Cwm Aran

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 hillfort, which probably dates to the Iron Age period (c. 800 BC - AD 74, the Roman conquest of Wales). Hillforts are usually Iocated on hilltops and surrounded by a single or multiple earthworks of massive proportions. Hillforts must have formed symbols of power within the landscape, while their function may have had as much to do with ostentation and display as defence. This is a kidney shaped enclosure situated in a prominent position on an East-West ridge and measuring 90.0m W-E and 50.0m N-S. The defences comprise a bank and ditch with a simple entrance in the west. On the outside the banks stand to a height of between 2.5-3m from the bottom of the ditch, but are hardly visible from the interior. There are modern breaks in the south and east sides and to the west lies an outlying bank with outer ditch, which appears to be the remains of an outlying annex. There are rectangular foundations within the camp measuring c. 7m, but probably represent a modern structure. The interior of the camp has a bumpy appearance possibly suggesting disturbance.

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, 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.