Scheduled MonumentsWalesCastell-y-Gaer
Prehistoric · Enclosure

Castell-y-Gaer

Carmarthenshire, Wales
Cadw SAM CM024
Period
Prehistoric
Site type
Enclosure
Broad class
Monument
Nation
Wales
Boundary

Scheduled area

© Mapbox · © OpenStreetMap contributors · Boundary data © Cadw

Overview

History & significance

Castell-y-Gaer is a prehistoric enclosure located in Carmarthenshire, Wales, comprising a substantial circular or oval earthwork defence characteristic of Iron Age settlement patterns in South Wales. The monument consists of a ramparted enclosure with internal features typical of late prehistoric occupation, dating to the Iron Age period when such fortified settlements served as focal points for agricultural communities and territorial control. The site's name, meaning "Castle of the Fort" in Welsh, reflects its defensive character, though its precise chronology and functional development remain subjects of archaeological investigation. As a Scheduled Ancient Monument under Cadw protection, Castell-y-Gaer represents an important example of Iron Age settlement archaeology in the region and contributes to understanding prehistoric social organization and settlement hierarchies in Wales.

Castell-y-Gaer is a scheduled monument protected by Cadw under reference CM024. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Castell-y-Gaer?

Castell-y-Gaer is a prehistoric enclosure located in Carmarthenshire, Wales, comprising a substantial circular or oval earthwork defence characteristic of Iron Age settlement patterns in South Wales. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Cadw under reference CM024.

What period does Castell-y-Gaer date from?

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

Who is responsible for protecting Castell-y-Gaer?

Castell-y-Gaer 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 CM024.

What other scheduled monuments are near Castell-y-Gaer?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Maen Melyn Standing Stone (6.7 km), Yr Hen Gapel, Llanybri (7 km), St.Teilo's Church, Llandeilo Abercywyn (7.4 km).

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