Scheduled MonumentsWalesFortified Settlement at Bryn Castell
Prehistoric · Enclosure

Fortified Settlement at Bryn Castell

Meirionnydd, Wales
Cadw SAM ME138
Period
Prehistoric
Site type
Enclosure
Broad class
Defence
Nation
Wales
Boundary

Scheduled area

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Overview

History & significance

Fortified Settlement at Bryn Castell is a prehistoric defended enclosure located in Meirionnydd, Wales, designated under the Cadw Scheduled Ancient Monument reference ME138. The site comprises a substantial earthwork consisting of defensive banks and ditches that enclose an area of habitation, characteristic of Iron Age settlement patterns in Wales, though occupation may have extended across a longer prehistoric period. Its position on elevated terrain reflects the strategic siting typical of defended settlements from this era, affording commanding views of the surrounding landscape and providing natural defensive advantages. The monument preserves important evidence of prehistoric settlement hierarchy and defensive architecture in the region, contributing to archaeological understanding of Iron Age social organisation and land use in North Wales.

Fortified Settlement at Bryn Castell is a scheduled monument protected by Cadw under reference ME138. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Fortified Settlement at Bryn Castell?

Fortified Settlement at Bryn Castell is a prehistoric defended enclosure located in Meirionnydd, Wales, designated under the Cadw Scheduled Ancient Monument reference ME138. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Cadw under reference ME138.

What period does Fortified Settlement at Bryn Castell date from?

Fortified Settlement at Bryn Castell 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 Fortified Settlement at Bryn Castell?

Fortified Settlement at Bryn Castell 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 ME138.

What other scheduled monuments are near Fortified Settlement at Bryn Castell?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Cyfannedd-Fach Homestead (7.9 km), Bron-Llety-Ifan cairns and cup-marked rock (8 km), Enclosure & Settlement 400m East of Cyfannedd Fawr (8.4 km).

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