CD050

Gaer Fawr  

07/10/1948  

Designated  

Ceredigion  

Llanilar  

264871  

271891  

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 Iocated on hilltops and surrounded by a single or multiple earthworks of massive proportions, and 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 defences on north and east of the monument consist of an inner bank now c.2.5m high above what appears to be a rock-cut ditch. There are slight traces of an outer bank. On south and west the defences consist of a scarped hillside which is very steep. There is a simple inturned entrance at the east end. 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.