CN041

Caer Oleu Camp  

 

Designated  

Conwy  

Llanddoged and Maenan  

279311  

366563  

Defence  

Hillfort  

Prehistoric  

The following provides a general description of the Scheduled 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 located 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. Caer Oleu Camp is situated on a narrow rocky ridge running N-S. The ridge is divided into three parts by two natural crags. The entrance is at the S end of the ridge, two small sections of walling mark the beginning of a path at the base of the hill which runs up a short rocky section to the top of the ridge, which is again defended by sections of walling running across the S end of the ridge. Much of the west and east sides of the ridge are so precipitous as to require no further fortification, but the NW section of this southern part does contain more walling on the edge of the ridge. The middle part of the ridge contains no man-made defences. The N part of the ridge is more heavily defended, and there is a further enclosure at the extreme north. The west side of this north part is defended by two walls, an outer revetment wall, up to 1.5m high, and an inner stone bank c.0.3m high. The E side is defended by a single stone bank. The two walls on the west join together to form a single large bank running round the north end of the ridge, and linking up with the wall on the east. Another wall crosses the ridge to form the polygonal enclosure. The walls forming the enclosure stand up to 1.0m high, and are 1.5m wide. There is a well preserved inner face on the S side. The N side is further defended by a ditch 1.5m deep cut across the ridge. It has also been suggested that the site is medieval in date, or is a prehistoric foundation re-occupied in medieval times. 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.