MM079

Cae Camp  

05/03/1936  

Designated  

Monmouthshire  

Llanhennock  

335888  

193853  

Defence  

Hillfort  

Prehistoric  

The following provides a general description of the Scheduled Ancient Monument. The monument comprises the remains of a hillfort, which probably dates to the Iron Age period (c. 800 BC - AD 74, the Roman conquest of Wales). The hillfort is situated on the ridge top between the Usk Valley and that of the Sor brook to the W. It is a small, roughly circular camp, measuring 100m in diameter, with a disused quarry occupying the centre. There is an inner scarp 2.2m high all around, except in places on the E side, where it is only 1m high. On the S side there is a 15m wide berm outside this, then a further scarp 1.7m high. There is a short stretch of ditch 3m wide and 0.5m deep on the outside. This is cut off by the road at its E end. Along the W side the berm is narrower, and on the SW side is a slope rather than a flat berm. Further N it becomes a faint ditch 4m wide and 0.7m deep. The outer bank is 1.8m high on the outside along this side. The N side is similar, with the edge of the outer bank on the hedge line. The outer side is 2m high and has probably been steepened as it forms the field boundary. Along the E side there is a berm 11m wide and then an outer scarp 2.2m high. The field boundary (hedge) is at the foot of the scarp, with the road to its E. This may have obliterated an outer ditch. There is a slight dip in the edge of the berm in the SE corner, which might mark the entrance. The interior slopes gently towards the edges. In the middle, towards the N end is an irregularly-shaped old quarry, up to 3m deep. 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.