Scheduled MonumentsWalesCoelbren Fort
Roman · Fort

Coelbren Fort

Wales
Cadw SAM GM146
Period
Roman
Site type
Fort
Broad class
Defence
Nation
Wales
Boundary

Scheduled area

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Overview

History & significance

Coelbren Fort is a Roman auxiliary fort located in the Brecon Beacons in Powys, Wales, situated strategically in the upper Neath Valley. The fort dates to the late first century AD, forming part of the Roman military infrastructure established during the conquest and consolidation of South Wales under the Flavian emperors. The site preserves earthwork remains of the fort's defensive structures, including sections of the characteristic playing-card shaped plan typical of Roman military installations, with visible traces of ramparts and ditches. Coelbren occupied an important position within the Roman road network connecting major forts such as Neath and Brecon, serving to control movement through the mountainous terrain and facilitate the administration of the surrounding territory during the Roman occupation of Wales.

Coelbren Fort is a scheduled monument protected by Cadw under reference GM146. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Coelbren Fort?

Coelbren Fort is a Roman auxiliary fort located in the Brecon Beacons in Powys, Wales, situated strategically in the upper Neath Valley. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Cadw under reference GM146.

What period does Coelbren Fort date from?

Coelbren Fort dates from the roman period, and is classified as a fort. It is one of over 32,000 scheduled monuments protected across the UK.

Who is responsible for protecting Coelbren Fort?

Coelbren Fort 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 GM146.

What other scheduled monuments are near Coelbren Fort?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Hirfynydd Roman Earthwork (5.1 km), Pentreclwydau Colliery (5.8 km), Remains of Venallt Ironworks (5.8 km).

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