ME188

Erw Wen Prehistoric and Medieval Settlement  

23/06/2000  

Designated  

Gwynedd  

Harlech  

260673  

332330  

Domestic  

Enclosed hut circle  

Prehistoric  

The following provides a general description of the Scheduled Monument. The monument comprises the complex multi-period remains of two long phases of occupation, firstly in the Iron Age period as a single hut circle set within an enclosure, after which it was abandoned and then later re-occupied during the medieval period as a small settlement comprising three or more buildings. The site occupies a position on a natural brow, with a steep break of slope along its north-west side and wide views in this direction. Erw-Wen was partially excavated in 1981. The central hut provided evidence for three phases of building and rebuilding in the Iron Age period. After a period of abandonment the site was re-occupied in the 15th and 16th centuries. Three rectangular buildings were constructed, one of which has been excavated and shown to be a dwelling house. The other buildings remain undisturbed. Erw Wen has particular archaeological importance because of its demonstrably good state of preservation, complex history and the amount of information which has been obtained from it through excavation. The monument is of national importance for its potential to enhance our knowledge of prehistoric and medieval settlement practices. It is an important relic of the prehistoric and medieval landscapes and retains significant archaeological potential. Much of the site remains undisturbed, and is likely to be equally as rich in preserved materials as the areas that have been excavated. There is a strong probability of the presence of environmental and structural evidence, including preserved internal and external floor levels. The scheduled area comprises the remains described and areas around them within which related evidence may be expected to survive.