ME127

Ffridd Fechan Fort  

07/05/1991  

Designated  

Gwynedd  

Barmouth  

261528  

317857  

Defence  

Hillfort  

Prehistoric  

The following provides a general description of the Scheduled 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. This small hillfort stands on a steep-sided rocky hill, with impressive views over the coastal area below. It is defensible except that it is overlooked on the north-east by higher ground within projectile range. The interior is oval, and uneven, with outcropping rock and several steps or (at least partly) natural small terraces within; more than one of these looks likely to have been utilised as a hut platform. The wall remains to a height of 1m, often more, on the north and east, except where the modern field wall, which cuts off a sliver of the site on the north-west, goes through. On the north-east the gap utilised by this wall could be the original entrance. On the south and west much less of the wall survives; as there is no field wall here the cause is unlikely to be robbing, and it seems that the stone has simply fallen off the hillside - some can be seen scattered below. Several areas of external facing survive, particularly on the N. The construction method can be seen: the wall is composed of long, narrow slabs, laid at right-angles to the line of the wall to form the body of it, but with a facing on the outside (and possibly once also on the inside) of the same kind of slabs laid parallel with the wall. 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.