Scheduled Monuments- Full Report
Summary Description of a Scheduled Monument
Reference Number
GM298
Name
Castell Moel
Date of Designation
Status
Designated
Location
Unitary Authority
Vale of Glamorgan
Community
Llancarfan
Easting
305428
Northing
173442
Broad Class
Defence
Site Type
Hillfort
Period
Prehistoric
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 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.
Castell Moel hillfort comprises an apparently unfinished bank and ditch surrounding a rectangular area on the top of the hill with flattened banks, following the contour of the hill lower down-slope, particularly on the western side.
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.