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Cwm Criban Prehistoric Settlement

A Scheduled Monument in Talybont-on-Usk (Tal-y-bont ar Wysg), Powys

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Coordinates

Latitude: 51.812 / 51°48'43"N

Longitude: -3.351 / 3°21'3"W

OS Eastings: 306962

OS Northings: 213462

OS Grid: SO069134

Mapcode National: GBR YQ.X5FB

Mapcode Global: VH6CK.VQV8

Entry Name: Cwm Criban Prehistoric Settlement

Scheduled Date: 30 March 1999

Source: Cadw

Source ID: 1569

Cadw Legacy ID: BR254

Schedule Class: Domestic

Category: Hut circle settlement

Period: Prehistoric

County: Powys

Community: Talybont-on-Usk (Tal-y-bont ar Wysg)

Traditional County: Brecknockshire

Description

The monument comprises the earth and stone foundations of seven hut circles probably dating to the Bronze Age (c. 2300 - 800 BC), and a series of associated irregularly shaped enclosures defined by earth and rubble banks of probable later date. The enclosures occur in two groups; a major group to the S which comprises 5 or 6 enclosures set in close proximity to a number of rectangular stone huts. To the N of this is a single large enclosure associated with 2 or 3 small paddocks. It is possible that originally the two groups formed one larger whole, the entrance surviving in the form of a faint connecting line of stones which could indicate that they were joined. It is likely that the enclosures have been used and altered for use over several phases, probably only being abandoned in the 18th/19th centuries, although the date of their original construction is unclear. The hut circles are located to the N and E of the enclosures. The hut circles are generally small in size, averaging 7m in diameter. The walls of the structures were built using stone and rubble, are between 1m and 2.5m thick and most have visible entrances on the S or E sides. There has been some disturbance to the structures, including the construction of a rifle butt within two of them, but they are largely undisturbed.

The monument is of national importance for its potential to enhance our knowledge of prehistoric domestic life and social organisation. It retains significant archaeological potential, with a strong probability of the presence of structural evidence and 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.

Source: Cadw

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