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). 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.

Located at the lower west end of a ridge called Trum-y-Gaer between small valleys holding tributaries of the Ceirw and Alwen rivers, with extensive views on all sides except the east where it is overlooked by the higher ground of the ridge. Of near circular form, the defensive bank and its external ditch follow the contours. The slight remains of a counter-scarp bank beyond the ditch survive on the east side. Internal to the bank is a broad scooped quarry ditch. The only definite original entrance is in the middle of the east side, the rock-cut ditch being interrupted by a causeway 8m wide. Other breaches of bank and ditch may be modern, associated with the subdivision of the interior of the hillfort into several small fields. Most of these field walls have recently been cleared away, or take the form of short lengths of turf grown banks confused with an incomplete circular bank, internal to, and roughly concentric with the main defensive bank. Irregularities in its course seem to indicate tumbled walls beneath the turf. There is a gap in the slight remains of this internal bank corresponding to the east entrance. The main defensive bank varies considerably in height, breached by more modern openings and erosion.

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