ME104

Bryn-y-Castell Hillfort  

19/11/1979  

Designated  

Gwynedd  

Ffestiniog  

272809  

342965  

Defence  

Hillfort  

Prehistoric  

The following provides a general description of the Scheduled Monument. A small hillfort crowning a knoll on the end of a ridge, it measures 40m by 25m and is surrounded by a dry-stone wall. The interior is flat, grass-grown and unploughed. On the W, E and S sides are very steep slopes. Remains of one round building survive and there appear to be the platforms of several others. The entrance is on the N and several structures occupy the slopes below the fort. The hillfort and structures below the fort were completely excavated by Peter Crew between 1979 and 1985. Excavations revealed a defensive settlement, with one stone round hut in the N corner later rebuilt into a 'snail' shape. Extensive remains of iron smelting and smithing were found. Two stake-built round houses were located in the centre of the fort. A range of radiometric and archaeomagnetic dates suggested occupation dates of 500BC to 400AD. Following excavation the masonry on the site was partially rebuilt, including part of the rampart wall, the 'snail' hut and the hut below the fort on the N side. The monument is of national importance for its contribution to our knowledge of prehistoric settlement, defence and ironworking. The scheduled area comprises the remains described and areas around them within which related evidence may be expected to survive.