CD079

Castell Cwmere  

 

Designated  

Ceredigion  

Llanfihangel Ystrad  

253308  

254451  

Defence  

Promontory Fort - inland  

Prehistoric  

The following provides a general description of the Scheduled Ancient Monument. The monument comprises the remains of a defended enclosure, which probably dates to the Iron Age period (c. 800 BC - AD 74, the Roman conquest of Wales). Inland promontory forts are usually located on a ridge or spur with steep slopes on 2 or 3 sides, and artificial ramparts on the level approaches. They may have been constructed on a promontory above the confluence of two rivers, or in the bend of a meander. Castell Cwmere is situated on a long tongue of land between two streams. The neck is cut off by a curving bank and ditch on the south, and there is a slight trace of a counterscarp bank. The bank stands c.3m above the interior and c.4.5m above the bottom of the ditch, which rises c.2m to the crest of the counterscarp, which itself stands c.0.4m above the surrounding field. A gap in the defences on the south-east is probably the position of the entrance. 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.