PE536

Little Castle Point Defended Enclosure  

21/07/2008  

Designated  

Pembrokeshire  

Dale  

179809  

203883  

Defence  

Promontory Fort - coastal  

Prehistoric  

The following provides a general description of the Scheduled Ancient Monument. The monument comprises the remains of a small, univallate defended enclosure, which probably dates to the Iron Age period (c. 800 BC - AD 43). The enclosure is roughly triangular in shape and measures 50m N-S by 40m transversely. It is located on a coastal promontory above steep sea cliffs that mark the defensive circuit on the N, W and S sides. A curvilinear rampart protects the E side and measures 75m in length, 0.6m in height and 5m in width. An outer ditch measures 3m in width. The bank and ditch fade somewhat towards the S, but a simple gap in the bank and a causeway over the ditch mark the location of the entrance on the SE 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, layout, building techniques and functional detail. The area to be scheduled comprises the remains described and an area around within which related evidence may be expected to survive. It is roughly triangular in shape on plan and measures 90m N-S by 70m transversely