Prehistoric · Hillfort

Gaer Fach

Breconshire, Wales
Cadw SAM BR053
Period
Prehistoric
Site type
Hillfort
Broad class
Defence
Nation
Wales
Boundary

Scheduled area

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Overview

History & significance

Gaer Fach is a prehistoric hillfort located in Breconshire, Wales, situated within the administrative boundaries of Powys. The monument comprises a fortified enclosure defined by substantial earthwork defences typical of Iron Age construction, likely dating to the later prehistoric period. Its strategic positioning reflects the settlement and defensive patterns characteristic of upland British communities during the Iron Age, when such hillforts served as focal points for territorial control, refuge, and communal activity. The site remains an important archaeological resource for understanding prehistoric settlement hierarchy and land use in the Brecon Beacons region.

Gaer Fach is a scheduled monument protected by Cadw under reference BR053. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Gaer Fach?

Gaer Fach is a prehistoric hillfort located in Breconshire, Wales, situated within the administrative boundaries of Powys. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Cadw under reference BR053.

What period does Gaer Fach date from?

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

Who is responsible for protecting Gaer Fach?

Gaer Fach 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 BR053.

What other scheduled monuments are near Gaer Fach?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Aberyscir Castle Mound (7.1 km), Coed Fenni-Fach Camp (7.2 km), Cross-Slab in Churchyard (8.5 km).

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