Scheduled Monuments- Full Report
Summary Description of a Scheduled Monument
Reference Number
PE186
Name
Priory Rath
Date of Designation
07/06/1950
Status
Designated
Location
Unitary Authority
Pembrokeshire
Community
Milford Haven
Easting
190518
Northing
207092
Broad Class
Defence
Site Type
Rath
Period
Prehistoric
Description
Summary Description and Reason for Designation
The following provides a general description of the Scheduled Ancient Monument.
The monument comprises a small defended enclosure or rath, which probably dates to the Iron Age period (800 BC - 43 AD). Usually enclosed by a bank and ditch, raths often contain evidence of intensive occupation. Priory Rath occupies a west-facing slope above a minor inlet off Milford Haven. It comprises a sub-circular defended enclosure of about 80min diameter internally protected by a bank and ditch on the south east side. The bank is 2m in height above the interior and 3.3m above the ditch with a 0.6m high counterscarp bank. The defences run out to scarps to the north and south and are not readily traceable on the west side. There is a possible entrance on the south.
The monument is of national importance for its potential to enhance our knowledge of Iron Age settlement and social organisation. The monument forms an important element within the wider later prehistoric landscape. The structure itself may be expected to contain archaeological information in regard 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.