MM069

The Larches Camp  

 

Designated  

Monmouthshire  

Caerwent  

343294  

189976  

Defence  

Hillfort  

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). The site is situated on a ridge top in a dense wood. It is roughly circular, 45m in diameter, and is bounded on the W, S and E sides by a bank. The entrance is in the middle of the W side. To the N of the entrance the bank is 1.2m high, outside it is a berm 3m wide. The entrance is 2.5m wide and defined by inward turned banks that extend into the interior for 12m. To the S of the entrance the bank is c 0.7m high on the inside and 2.5m high on the outside, where it is steep-sided. On the S side the bank is steep-sided, and 1m-1.5m high on the inside and 3.5m high on the outside. There is an external ditch, 2m wide and 0.6m deep. The bank and ditch continue along the W side, where the ditch is 1.5m deep, to the edge of the hilltop. On the N side there is no bank but a steep scarp 2.5m high above a steep natural slope. The interior of the hillfort is convex. 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.