Prehistoric · Hillfort

Gaer Fawr

Breconshire, Wales
Cadw SAM BR052
Period
Prehistoric
Site type
Hillfort
Broad class
Defence
Nation
Wales
Boundary

Scheduled area

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Overview

History & significance

Gaer Fawr is a prehistoric hillfort situated in Breconshire, Wales, and forms part of the scheduled ancient monument record maintained by Cadw. The site dates to the Iron Age and represents a significant example of fortified settlement characteristic of that period in South Wales. The hillfort is defined by substantial earthwork defences comprising banks and ditches that enclose the hilltop position, a typical defensive arrangement for Iron Age communities. Such fortified sites served both defensive and administrative functions within their respective territories, controlling trade routes and demonstrating the social standing of the communities that constructed and maintained them.

Gaer Fawr is a scheduled monument protected by Cadw under reference BR052. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Gaer Fawr?

Gaer Fawr is a prehistoric hillfort situated in Breconshire, Wales, and forms part of the scheduled ancient monument record maintained by Cadw. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Cadw under reference BR052.

What period does Gaer Fawr date from?

Gaer Fawr 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 Fawr?

Gaer Fawr 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 BR052.

What other scheduled monuments are near Gaer Fawr?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Fennifach Standing Stone (7.8 km), Caer Rufeinig y Gaer (8.5 km), Coed Fenni-Fach Camp (8.6 km).

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