MM160

St Peter's Cave  

28/05/1965  

Designated  

Monmouthshire  

Chepstow  

353883  

192706  

Monument  

Cave  

Prehistoric  

The following provides a general description of the Scheduled Ancient Monument. The monument consists of a cave containing archaeological deposits that can date from as early as the Palaeolithic period. A cave may have been used for occupation, storage, burial, refuse, or as a temporary shelter. St Peter's Cave is located in a limestone cliff on the left bank of the River Wye, immediately below the railway line. The south west facing entrance is 3m high and 4.5m wide. The cave passage extends to approximately 21m and varies in height between 1.5m and 3m. The evidence of charcoal deposits suggests prehistoric activity. The monument is of national importance for its potential to enhance our knowledge of prehistoric settlement, ritual and funerary practices. It retains significant archaeological potential, with a strong probability of the presence of associated archaeological features and deposits. The scheduled area comprises the remains described and areas around them within which related evidence may be expected to survive.