Scheduled MonumentsWalesBlack Point Rath
Prehistoric · Promontory Fort - coastal

Black Point Rath

Pembrokeshire, Wales
Cadw SAM PE265
Period
Prehistoric
Site type
Promontory Fort - coastal
Broad class
Defence
Nation
Wales
Boundary

Scheduled area

© Mapbox · © OpenStreetMap contributors · Boundary data © Cadw

Overview

History & significance

Black Point Rath is a prehistoric promontory fort situated on the Pembrokeshire coast of Wales. The monument consists of a defensive enclosure positioned on a coastal headland, utilising the natural cliff edges as part of its fortification strategy whilst artificial banks and ditches create additional barriers across the landward approach. Dating to the Iron Age, the site represents a form of settlement and defensive architecture characteristic of the prehistoric period in Wales, when such promontory forts served as secure locations for communities, their livestock, and valuable possessions. The site's coastal location would have offered strategic advantages for both defence and access to marine resources, making it a significant archaeological witness to Iron Age settlement patterns in southwest Wales.

Black Point Rath is a scheduled monument protected by Cadw under reference PE265. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Black Point Rath?

Black Point Rath is a prehistoric promontory fort situated on the Pembrokeshire coast of Wales. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Cadw under reference PE265.

What period does Black Point Rath date from?

Black Point Rath dates from the prehistoric period, and is classified as a promontory fort - coastal. It is one of over 32,000 scheduled monuments protected across Britain.

Who is responsible for protecting Black Point Rath?

Black Point Rath is a Scheduled Ancient Monument, legally protected by Cadw — the body responsible for designating and safeguarding heritage sites in Wales. The official designation reference is PE265.

What other scheduled monuments are near Black Point Rath?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Standing Stone 290m S of Mabesgate (8.3 km), Long Stone Burial Chamber (8.7 km), Promontory Fort on Little Castle Head (8.8 km).

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