BR051

Corn y Fan Camp  

 

Designated  

Powys  

Merthyr Cynog  

298507  

235420  

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). Inland promontory forts are usually located on a ridge or spur with steep slopes on 2 or 3 sides, and artificial ramparts on the level approaches. The fort consists of a triple system of banks and ditches defending the summit of a prominent knoll which stands 350m AOD. The area enclosed is small and irregular oval in shape, measuring about 50m NE/SW by between 16m and 20m. The S edge of the site is formed by sheer cliffs, and elsewhere the ground slopes down steeply from the summit. The site would have been very difficult to approach except from the north and NE against which the defences are set. The defences comprise three, close-set curving ramparts of earth and stone set around 10m apart, surviving to a maximum height of 4m. Deep ditches separate the inner bank from the outer two, and there could have been a shallow ditch around the northern side of the ramparts. The entrance is on the NE side of the site, between the ends of the ramparts and the edge of the cliff. 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.