Scheduled MonumentsWalesBwlch Enclosure
Prehistoric · Enclosure - Defensive

Bwlch Enclosure

Breconshire, Wales
Cadw SAM BR271
Period
Prehistoric
Site type
Enclosure - Defensive
Broad class
Defence
Nation
Wales
Boundary

Scheduled area

© Mapbox · © OpenStreetMap contributors · Boundary data © Cadw

Overview

History & significance

Bwlch Enclosure is a prehistoric defensive enclosure located in Breconshire, Wales, situated within the upland landscape that characterises the Brecon Beacons region. The monument comprises an earthwork defence system typical of Iron Age settlement patterns in Wales, constructed to protect and demarcate a domestic or communal space within the hillfort tradition of the period. Its physical remains consist of banks and ditches that define the enclosure boundary, reflecting the defensive requirements and territorial organisation of prehistoric communities in this area. The site is registered as a Scheduled Ancient Monument under Cadw (SAM BR271), recognising its archaeological importance to understanding Iron Age settlement hierarchy and defensive architecture in the Welsh uplands.

Bwlch Enclosure is a scheduled monument protected by Cadw under reference BR271. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Bwlch Enclosure?

Bwlch Enclosure is a prehistoric defensive enclosure located in Breconshire, Wales, situated within the upland landscape that characterises the Brecon Beacons region. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Cadw under reference BR271.

What period does Bwlch Enclosure date from?

Bwlch Enclosure dates from the prehistoric period, and is classified as a enclosure - defensive. It is one of over 32,000 scheduled monuments protected across the UK.

Who is responsible for protecting Bwlch Enclosure?

Bwlch Enclosure 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 BR271.

What other scheduled monuments are near Bwlch Enclosure?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Clo Cadno platform cairn (7.2 km), Coed Pentwyn Hillfort (7.5 km), Garn Fawr round cairn (7.8 km).

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