CM083

Castle Cogan  

 

Designated  

Carmarthenshire  

Llansteffan  

232748  

213968  

Monument  

Enclosure  

Prehistoric  

The following provides a general description of the Scheduled Ancient Monument. The monument comprises the remains of a hillfort, which probably dates to the Iron Age period (c. 800 BC - AD 74, the Roman conquest of Wales). Hillforts are usually located on hilltops and surrounded by a single or multiple earthworks of massive proportions. Hillforts must have formed symbols of power within the landscape, while their function may have had as much to do with ostentation and display as defence. Castell Cogan occupies the summit of a rounded hill at 125m above sea level enclosing sub-circular area measuring c.90m south west to north east by 75m south east to north west. On the east side of the hillfort the slope is very steep and here little or no defences have been constructed. The more easily approachable west and south sides are provided with bivallate defences. The inner bank is very strong, rising to over 2.5m above its ditch. The outer bank is weaker, being only 0.8m above its ditch. A simple southwest-facing gap marks the entrance through the inner bank; though the outer bank swings out towards the southwest at this point, making a complex barbican or hornwork entrance before terminating. On the south and southeast sides of the enclosure a low univallate bank is visible. On aerial photographs the earthwork bank of a possible annexe can be seen c.120m northwest of the main defences. Excavations by in 1971 revealed roundhouses and a timber revetment to the defensive bank. Finds indicated Iron Age and Roman occupation. 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.