GM470

Lewes Castle Promontory Fort  

31/10/1994  

Designated  

Swansea  

Rhossili  

241446  

187329  

Defence  

Promontory Fort - coastal  

Prehistoric  

The following provides a general description of the Scheduled Ancient Monument. The monument comprises the remains of a defended enclosure, which probably dates to the Iron Age period (c. 800 BC - AD 74). It is located on a rocky headland. Two concentric ramparts and ditches cross the neck of the promontory, beyond which it rises to a summit. The inner bank and ditch, with two right angles lengths, each c. 5.5m wide and 1m high, cuts off a shallow hollow in the lee of the headland. The outer bank and ditch, 9m overall by c. 1m deep, curves round in an arc, its ends resting on the cliff edge. 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, layout, 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.