GM129

Penmaen Burrows Ringwork  

 

Designated  

Swansea  

Ilston  

253409  

188033  

Defence  

Ringwork  

Medieval  

The following provides a general description of the Scheduled Ancient Monument. The monument comprises the remains of a well preserved castle-ringwork which dates to the medieval period (c. AD 1066 - 1485). The castle ringwork is set on the headland above Pennard Pill opposite Pennard Castle. It consists of a roughly oval enclosure about 36m by 27m with a deep outer ditch on the south-east and no artificial defences on the opposite side where the natural slope to the sea was sufficient. Excavation revealed that there were two occupation phases, dated by pottery to the twelfth and early 13th century. At first there was a timber gate tower and internal buildings, but the second period saw the gate rebuilt in stone, together with a hall similar to that found at Pennard. The timber gate-house had been burnt down, possibly accidentally and not as a result of hostilities. Finds included a large number of potsherds representing a minimum of fifty vessels and a small quantity of occupational refuse. The monument is of national importance for its potential to enhance our knowledge of medieval settlement, organisation and defence. The site forms an important element within the wider medieval landscape. It is well preserved and retains considerable archaeological potential. There is a strong probability of the presence of evidence relating to chronology, layout, 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.