Ancient Monuments

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Pen-y-Castell Camp

A Scheduled Monument in Pyle (Y Pîl), Bridgend (Pen-y-bont ar Ogwr)

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Coordinates

Latitude: 51.5312 / 51°31'52"N

Longitude: -3.6705 / 3°40'13"W

OS Eastings: 284220

OS Northings: 182692

OS Grid: SS842826

Mapcode National: GBR H8.GPH8

Mapcode Global: VH5H9.BSD0

Entry Name: Pen-y-Castell Camp

Scheduled Date: 4 July 1955

Source: Cadw

Source ID: 2885

Cadw Legacy ID: GM240

Schedule Class: Defence

Category: Hillfort

Period: Prehistoric

County: Bridgend (Pen-y-bont ar Ogwr)

Community: Pyle (Y Pîl)

Traditional County: Glamorgan

Description

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). It is situated at the west end of a ridge, with steep natural slopes below it on its north, west and south sides. Past quarrying at the north-west end has removed a considerable length of bank, and has hollowed out the interior at the west end. There is further quarrying immediately south-west of the site.

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.

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.

Source: Cadw

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