CD106

Castell Allt-Goch  

21/09/1949  

Designated  

Ceredigion  

Lampeter  

259350  

250119  

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). Hillforts are usually located on hilltops and surrounded by a single or multiple earthworks of massive proportions. Hillforts must have formed symbols of power within the landscape, while their function may have had as much to do with ostentation and display as defence. Castell Allt-Goch occupies a local summit within a ridge trending north-east to south-west on the northern side of the Teifi valley. It is a rather irregular oval enclosure, measuring c.152m north-south by 84m, tapering towards the southern end, defined by substantial banks or scarps varying in internal height from c.0.3m to c.1m, with slight traces of an external ditch on the east and west sides. Two additional detached banks and ditches have been provided on the gentler east slope. Hints of an internal cross-bank suggest that an original, roughly oval enclosure c.70 to 80m in diameter at the north end was later extended to the south. A possible entrance lies on the west just south of the point where the two appear to join. 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.