DE231

Pen y Gaer Hillfort  

01/07/1987  

Designated  

Wrexham  

Llangollen Rural  

325047  

342671  

Defence  

Hillfort  

Prehistoric  

The following provides a general description of the Scheduled Ancient Monument. Pen y Gaer Hillfort comprises the remains of a defended enclosure or hillfort. Such monuments probably date to the Iron Age period (c. 800 BC - AD 74), although several are known to date from the Late Bronze Age with activity through to the early post-Roman period. The fort measures approximately 1.2ha with a precipice forming a natural defence on the south west side and a thick stone rampart defending the other sides. There is a possible entrance in the east side and the interior is sloping with some stone features on the northern side. Investigations in the early twentieth century were inconclusive. 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.