Roman Fortlet (revealed by aerial photography), Disserth

Cadw's description

Summary description and reason for designation

The following provides a general description of the Scheduled Monument.

The monument comprises buried features and earthworks representing a Roman fort. The primary Roman fort network was designed and constructed by the Roman army for the purpose of military conquest and rule. This fortlet, also known as Penmincae, was discovered from the air in 1971 after ploughing. It stands on a slight local rise on the north bank of the Wye and guards the crossing of the road which connects the forts at Castell Collen, 10.5km to the north, with Caerau, 8.5km to the south-west. The fortlet measures c.42.5m north-west to south-east and c.30.5m wide, with an entrance on the west. Finds from field-walking suggest a Flavian date (AD 70s).

The monument is of national importance for its potential to enhance our knowledge of Roman military organisation. The monument forms an important element within the wider context of the Roman occupation of Wales and the structures may contain well preserved archaeological evidence concerning chronology, layout and building techniques. It is not entirely clear how the fort may relate to the three temporary camps c.700m to the south-west of the site.

The scheduled area comprises the remains described and areas around them within which related evidence may be expected to survive.