Ancient Monuments

History on the Ground

This site is entirely user-supported. See how you can help.

Thornton Rath

A Scheduled Monument in Tiers Cross, Pembrokeshire (Sir Benfro)

We don't have any photos of this monument yet. Why don't you be the first to send us one?

Upload Photo »

Approximate Location Map
Large Map »

If Google Street View is available, the image is from the best available vantage point looking, if possible, towards the location of the monument. Where it is not available, the satellite view is shown instead.

Coordinates

Latitude: 51.7304 / 51°43'49"N

Longitude: -5.0351 / 5°2'6"W

OS Eastings: 190503

OS Northings: 207886

OS Grid: SM905078

Mapcode National: GBR G5.W5SS

Mapcode Global: VH1RR.PR0T

Entry Name: Thornton Rath

Scheduled Date: 7 June 1950

Source: Cadw

Source ID: 470

Cadw Legacy ID: PE187

Schedule Class: Defence

Category: Promontory Fort - inland

Period: Prehistoric

County: Pembrokeshire (Sir Benfro)

Community: Tiers Cross

Traditional County: Pembrokeshire

Description

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. Alternatively they may have been constructed on a promontory above the confluence of two rivers, or in the bend of a meander. Thornton Rath is defended by a double bank and ditch. The inner bank rises 15ft above the bottom of the inner ditch. On the east the ground falls steeply and there is no bank or ditch. At the north-east corner the defences have been flattered to make an entrance to the interior.

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

Other nearby scheduled monuments

AncientMonuments.uk is an independent online resource and is not associated with any government department. All government data published here is used under licence. Please do not contact AncientMonuments.uk for any queries related to any individual ancient or schedued monument, planning permission related to scheduled monuments or the scheduling process itself.

AncientMonuments.uk is a Good Stuff website.