Scheduled MonumentsWalesBurry Holms Camp
Prehistoric · Promontory Fort - coastal

Burry Holms Camp

Wales
Cadw SAM GM088
Period
Prehistoric
Site type
Promontory Fort - coastal
Broad class
Defence
Nation
Wales
Boundary

Scheduled area

© Mapbox · © OpenStreetMap contributors · Boundary data © Cadw

Overview

History & significance

Burry Holms Camp is a promontory fort situated on the Gower Peninsula in Swansea, Wales, commanding a defensive position on a coastal headland. The site dates to the Iron Age and represents a significant example of prehistoric fortified settlement in South Wales, with its strategic location enabling control of maritime approaches and local territory. The fort is defended by substantial earthwork ramparts that cut across the narrow neck of land connecting the promontory to the mainland, a characteristic design for this class of coastal fortification. Archaeological investigation has revealed occupation evidence from the Iron Age period, establishing Burry Holms as an important centre of settlement and control during the later prehistoric era in South Wales.

Burry Holms Camp is a scheduled monument protected by Cadw under reference GM088. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Burry Holms Camp?

Burry Holms Camp is a promontory fort situated on the Gower Peninsula in Swansea, Wales, commanding a defensive position on a coastal headland. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Cadw under reference GM088.

What period does Burry Holms Camp date from?

Burry Holms Camp dates from the prehistoric period, and is classified as a promontory fort - coastal. It is one of over 32,000 scheduled monuments protected across the UK.

Who is responsible for protecting Burry Holms Camp?

Burry Holms Camp 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 GM088.

What other scheduled monuments are near Burry Holms Camp?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Remains of Medieval Building & Church at Rhossili (4.6 km), Old Castle Camp (4.7 km), Promontory Fort on Worms Head (5 km).

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