CN274

Braich y Cornel Hut Circle Settlement and Field System  

16/01/1998  

Designated  

Gwynedd  

Dolbenmaen  

255296  

344627  

Domestic  

Hut Circle Settlement  

Prehistoric  

The following provides a general description of the Scheduled Ancient Monument. The monument comprises a remarkably well preserved example of an unenclosed hut circle settlement, probably dating to the Iron Age or Romano-British period (c. 800 BC - AD 400). The settlement consists of the stone foundations of three hut circles and an extensive field system situated on the slopes of Braich y Cornel overlooking Cwm Ystradllyn. Also present is a rectangular hut, probably dating to the medieval period. The monument is of national importance for its potential to enhance our knowledge of prehistoric domestic life and social organisation. Excavations in the 1950s have demonstrated the archaeological potential of the site. A lack of subsequent disturbance suggests that the monument retains significant archaeological potential, with a strong probability of the presence of structural evidence and associated archaeological features and deposits, including internal and external floor levels. The site’s importance is enhanced by its location within an area known to have been intensively occupied during the later prehistoric period and by the evidence of re-occupation or longevity of use, at least into the medieval period. The scheduled area comprises the remains described and areas around them within which related evidence may be expected to survive.