GM180

Llwynda-Ddu Camp  

 

Designated  

Cardiff  

Pentyrch  

310852  

181009  

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. The hillfort is located on the west end of a small hill top. The ground slopes away quite gently on the north and south, rises slightly to the east, and drops quite steeply to the west. The site consists of an oval flattish area enclosed on its east, north and part of south sides by a bank. The bank is highest at the east end, where it is 8m wide and 2 - 2.5m high, running parallel with and just inside the field boundary. Towards the south it gets lower and peters out. From here along the south side to the west end there is no bank, only a 1m drop. At the west end the bank reappears, c. 1m high, and there is an interned entrance, c. 3 - 4m wide in the middle, with banks c. 1m high on either side. The bank continues round the north-west corner and stops at the field boundary. Outside the bank at the west end is a flat area, c. 5m wide and then a 2m drop to natural ground level. On the north side there is no bank, only a c. 1m drop along the field boundary. 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. The camp is situated in a grass field on the west end of a small hill top.