Scheduled Monuments- Full Report
Summary Description of a Scheduled Monument
Reference Number
GM277
Name
Blaen-Cwmbach Earthwork
Date of Designation
Status
Designated
Location
Unitary Authority
Neath Port Talbot
Community
Tonna
Easting
279345
Northing
198805
Broad Class
Monument
Site Type
Enclosure
Period
Prehistoric
Description
Summary Description and Reason for Designation
The following provides a general description of the Scheduled Ancient Monument.
The monument is a small earthwork situated near the north-west corner of the Roman marching camp (GM258) on the ridge east of Tonna, Neath. It comprises an earth and stone bank about 9m wide and 1.5m high with a ditch on the south east side forming in plan the quadrant of a circle about 50m radius. There is a gap about 7.5m wide with a corresponding causeway across the ditch about 30m from the north end. The monument is probably an unfinished or slighted enclosure dating to the Iron Age (800BC to 43AD).
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. Its significance is further enhanced by its location within the later Roman encampment.
The scheduled area comprises the remains described and areas around them within which related evidence may be expected to survive.