Scheduled MonumentsWalesBlaen Brefi Longhouses
Medieval · Longhouse

Blaen Brefi Longhouses

Ceredigion, Wales
Cadw SAM CD185
Period
Medieval
Site type
Longhouse
Broad class
Domestic
Nation
Wales
Boundary

Scheduled area

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Overview

History & significance

Blaen Brefi Longhouses is a medieval domestic settlement in Ceredigion, Wales, comprising timber-framed longhouses characteristic of upland Welsh pastoral settlement. The structures, situated in the Blaen Brefi valley, represent the built environment of medieval Welsh rural communities and demonstrate the typical integrated housing arrangements where human and animal accommodation occupied a single linear structure under one roof. The site reflects the economy and social organisation of medieval Welsh farming communities, with the longhouses positioned to exploit the valley's pastoral resources. These remains are protected as a scheduled ancient monument by Cadw, acknowledging their significance to understanding medieval Welsh domestic settlement patterns and vernacular architecture.

Blaen Brefi Longhouses is a scheduled monument protected by Cadw under reference CD185. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Blaen Brefi Longhouses?

Blaen Brefi Longhouses is a medieval domestic settlement in Ceredigion, Wales, comprising timber-framed longhouses characteristic of upland Welsh pastoral settlement. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Cadw under reference CD185.

What period does Blaen Brefi Longhouses date from?

Blaen Brefi Longhouses dates from the medieval period, and is classified as a longhouse. It is one of over 32,000 scheduled monuments protected across the UK.

Who is responsible for protecting Blaen Brefi Longhouses?

Blaen Brefi Longhouses 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 CD185.

What other scheduled monuments are near Blaen Brefi Longhouses?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Round Cairns c. 400m SE of Lan Fawr (5.7 km), Carn Nant-yr-ast round cairn (6 km), Cors Blaen Cothi Deserted Rural Settlement (6.4 km).

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