Scheduled Monuments- Full Report
Summary Description of a Scheduled Monument
Reference Number
MM027
Name
Blackcliff Wood Camp
Date of Designation
10/02/1976
Status
Designated
Location
Unitary Authority
Monmouthshire
Community
Wye Valley
Easting
352895
Northing
198985
Broad Class
Defence
Site Type
Promontory Fort - inland
Period
Prehistoric
Description
Summary Description and Reason for Designation
The following provides a general description of the Scheduled Ancient Monument.
The monument comprises the remains of a promontory fort, a defended enclosure that probably dates to the Iron Age period (c. 800 BC - AD 74, the Roman conquest of Wales). The site is oval in plan and measures 65m NE/SW by 80m NW/SE and is located on a natural spur with steep natural slopes on 3 sides. On the S side of the spur, where the ground slopes gently away, are defences formed by a bank and an external ditch. The bank is formed from limestone rubble and is 1.5m high on the inside and 2.5m high on the outside. The ditch is 2m wide and 1.2m deep. The site is covered by dense woodland.
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.