CM149

Maes y Castell  

30/10/1951  

Designated  

Carmarthenshire  

Manordeilo and Salem  

263142  

227940  

Defence  

Hillfort  

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, the Roman conquest of Wales). Located on the top of a top of a dome-shaped hill it is defended by a double bank and ditch strongest on the south side and weaker on the east side where the ground slopes away more steeply. There are two entrances; a simple entrance on the east and an entrance on the southwest with overlapping terminals and inturning of the inner bank possibly to form a small annexe between the ramparts. 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.