GM487

Enclosure on Rhossili Down  

19/09/1995  

Designated  

Swansea  

Llangennith, Llanmadoc and Cheriton  

242321  

189810  

Monument  

Enclosure  

Prehistoric  

The following provides a general description of the Scheduled Ancient Monument. The monument comprises the remains of an earthwork/stone-built enclosure. The date or precise nature of the enclosure is unknown, but it is likely to be later prehistoric or medieval. It is circular in shape formed by stone-walls on open moorland falling gently to the east. The enclosure is 14m in diameter and surrounded by a low stone wall between 2.5m to 3m wide, partially faced internally with large horizontally set orthostats standing 4m to 5m high. The enclosure lies just downhill from the two megalithic tombs known as Sweyne's Houses. 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.