CM298

Esgair Gaeo Deserted Rural Settlement  

06/07/2000  

Designated  

Carmarthenshire  

Cynwyl Gaeo  

272397  

250507  

Domestic  

Rectangular hut  

Post Medieval/Modern  

The following provides a general description of the Scheduled Ancient Monument. The monument consists of the remains of a deserted rural settlement, probably dating to the medieval or post-medieval period. This compact upland farmstead is situated halfway along the valley at Esgair Gaeo. Well preserved features include the foundations of a once substantial stone walled building or long hut set within a large banked enclosure. Also within the enclosure is an earth platform which probably supported a timber or clom building, smaller associated pens, likely to have been used for herding animals and an unusual sunken “shelter” or hollow 8m x 4m in size. The monument is of national importance for its potential to enhance our knowledge of medieval or post-medieval settlement organisation. The multiple features of this remote farmstead are well preserved and little disturbed. The archaeological potential of the site is very high, with internal and exterior floor levels likely to remain preserved beneath the current ground surface. Additional importance and interest is given by the unusual sunken feature within the enclosure unknown at other similar sites. The scheduled area comprises a rectangle with sides 60m x 45m surrounding the main settlement enclosure.