RD123

Cwm Berwyn Camp  

 

Designated  

Powys  

Glascwm  

307266  

254847  

Defence  

Hillfort  

Prehistoric  

The following provides a general description of the Scheduled Ancient Monument. The monument comprises the remains of a defended enclosure, which probably dates to the Iron Age period (c. 800 BC - AD 74, the Roman conquest of Wales). Inland promontory forts are usually located on a ridge or spur with steep slopes on 2 or 3 sides, and artificial ramparts on the level approaches. Alternatively they may have been constructed on a promontory above the confluence of two rivers, or in the bend of a meander. Cwm Berwyn Camp occupies a south-eastward facing promontory and is protected by very steep natural slopes on the east, south and west, and by artificial defences running across the saddle at the north and north-west. The defences consist of an inner bank with an inner construction hollow, external ditch and counterscarp bank, beyond which there is a gap of c.12m to the outer bank and ditch. The inner bank stands c.1.2m high internally but up to c.5m externally, while the outer bank is c.0.6m high internally and c.1.7m high externally. Both lines of defence run across the promontory but the inner earthwork is more securely anchored against steep slopes or scarps at both ends. The simple entrance arrangements lie towards the west of the two lines of defence. The enclosed area measures c.75m by c.75m, and contains possible traces of numerous hut platforms, each about 5m in diameter. 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.