RD011

Cwm Cefn y Gaer  

 

Designated  

Powys  

Llanddewi Ystradenny  

312127  

269952  

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. Cwm Cefn-y-Gaer is located on a broad ridge running east-west. It is an irregular enclosure, measuring c.279m east-north-east to west-south-west by 190m, defined by a single rampart and ditch, except on the north, where there is a counterscarp or small additional outer bank. On the south side the defences are slight and are reduced to a scarp in places. There are entrances on the north-east and north-west, both probably originally inturned, though this is only now clear in the north-western example. Later activity has created breaches through the defences at a number of points. There are some traces of possible building positions within the enclosure. It is not clear whether the earthwork shown on Ordnance Survey plans beyond the north-eastern entrance represents a related annexe. 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.