ME020

Craig-y-Ddinas Camp  

 

Designated  

Gwynedd  

Dyffryn Ardudwy  

262437  

323098  

Defence  

Hillfort  

Prehistoric  

The following provides a general description of the Scheduled Monument. The monument comprises the remains of a small hillfort and areas of settlement on the slopes around it. The RCAHMW note that the hillfort crowns a rocky summit at 357m O.D., which visually dominates the inland moorland valley of the Afon Ysgethin. It measures some 90m NE/SW by 40m NW/SE externally, with outworks extending 14m to the north-east. There are no signs of ancient structures within the hillfort, and it is probable that it served as a defensible retreat when necessary, and possibly as a stock compound at other times for the contemporary settlement below. The settlements are of at least two periods and incorporate field systems. The RCAHMW note a prehistoric roundhouse settlement below the entrance to the east and a farmstead of post-medieval character just to the south. 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.