ME265

Defended Settlement 150m NW of Plas Ynysfor  

05/01/2010  

Designated  

Gwynedd  

Llanfrothen  

259929  

342760  

Defence  

Enclosure - Defensive  

Prehistoric  

The following provides a general description of the Scheduled Monument. The monument comprises the well-preserved remains of a small defended enclosure, which probably dates to the Iron Age period (c. 800 BC - AD 43). The enclosure is located on the summit of a knoll at the NW end of an isolated geological outcrop that would have formed an island in the Glaslyn Estuary. A single stony bank encloses the interior of the settlement accentuating the natural geological slopes. The enclosure bank is approximately 4m wide and 0.5m high (internally). Two possible hut platforms are evident on the W side of the enclosure with a simple entrance on the SSE. The monument is roughly circular with the interior of the monument sloping from the NE down to the SW. It measures 35m SW/NE by 25m SE/NW. 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 scheduled comprises the remains described and an area around within which related evidence may be expected to survive. It is roughly circular in shape on plan and measures 55m SW/NE by 45m SE/NW and is located at NGR SH5992/4276.