PE405

Old Castle Head Promontory Fort  

22/04/1982  

Designated  

Pembrokeshire  

Manorbier  

207566  

196667  

Defence  

Promontory Fort - coastal  

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 43). The enclosure is located on a narrow coastal promontory above the sea that marks part of the defensive circuit. The construction of one or more ramparts placed across the neck of the promontory divide it from the mainland. Old Castle Head Promontory Fort has a rampart and ditch on the north-west side, and square "annex" enclosure, adjoining the main part on the west. The ditches survive to a depth of about 1m, and the external height of the ramparts is c. 1 - 3m. Three circular hollows in the interior may represent the sites of house terraces. 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, layout, 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.