PE563

Trelessy Defended Enclosure  

09/03/2010  

Designated  

Pembrokeshire  

Amroth  

217480  

207838  

Defence  

Enclosure - Defensive  

Prehistoric  

The following provides a general description of the Scheduled Ancient Monument. he monument comprises the earthwork remains of a defended enclosure which dates to the Iron Age (c.800BC - 43AD) and which was shown by excavation to be re-used in the Roman period (43 - 410AD). It is sited on a gentle south-facing slope, and commands expansive views across Carmarthen Bay. The form of the enclosure changes around its circumference, using the natural topography of the hillside and exaggerating the existing slope. This forms an impressive circular site with an internal diameter of c.70m. It is defined to the north, east and west by a bank and external ditch whereas to the south the profile of the site is stepped, terracing the hillslope. A counterscarp bank can be traced around parts of the monument, best preserved at the NW side. At its highest (on the SW side) the bank stands 2m tall and up to 8m wide. The whole monument has been spread by ploughing. The interior is gently sloping, a sunken rectangular hollow on the NNE represents the excavations carried out by Thomas and Walker in 1950-51. The excavations revealed part of at least one Roman building, with associated pottery and building materials. Another slight hollow in the NW of the interior may represent further buried archaeological features. The monument is of national importance for its potential to enhance our knowledge of Iron Age settlement and of the adoption and spread of Roman ideas and influences. Although Iron Age enclosures are widespread in Pembrokeshire, this is one of only a small number which also contain clear evidence for Roman, or Roman-style, buildings. The preservation of the earthworks, combined with the proven survival of buried archaeological evidence makes this site particularly important in understanding how some enclosures changed and developed over time. The scheduled areas is approximately circular, and measures 115m N-S and 120m E-W. It is centred on NGR SN1748107839.