RD102

Castell y Blaidd  

 

Designated  

Powys  

Llanbadarn Fynydd  

312479  

279800  

Monument  

Enclosure  

Prehistoric  

The following provides a general description of the Scheduled Ancient Monument. The monument comprises the remains of an earthwork/stone-built enclosure. The date or precise nature of the enclosure is unknown, but it is likely to be later prehistoric or medieval and is located at the south-west end of a locally prominent knoll, with the ground dropping away to the south. The enclosure, which measures c.45m north-west to south-east by c.30m internally, is defended by bank, ditch and counterscarp, which today form a horseshoe shaped enclosure. The defences as seen on the ground are absent for a distance of c.17m on the north-west, though air photography suggests that they may originally have existed here. The bank rises between c.0.35m and c.1.5m high above the interior and up to c.4m above the base of the ditch, which is c.1 to1.5m deep. The counterscarp is most marked around the north-eastern side where it stands c.0.4m above the surrounding ground level. 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 landscape context. 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.