Scheduled MonumentsWalesOld Castle Head Promontory Fort
Prehistoric · Promontory Fort - coastal

Old Castle Head Promontory Fort

Pembrokeshire, Wales
Cadw SAM PE405
Period
Prehistoric
Site type
Promontory Fort - coastal
Broad class
Defence
Nation
Wales
Boundary

Scheduled area

© Mapbox · © OpenStreetMap contributors · Boundary data © Cadw

Overview

History & significance

Old Castle Head Promontory Fort is a prehistoric coastal fortification located in Pembrokeshire, Wales, situated on a promontory that exploits the defensive advantages of its clifftop position. The site dates to the Iron Age and represents a form of settlement defence characteristic of the later prehistoric period in Wales, where natural geographical features were enhanced with earthwork fortifications. The fort's physical character is defined by its promontory location, with defensive ditches and ramparts constructed to cut off access from the landward side, creating an enclosed stronghold. As a scheduled monument under Cadw protection, Old Castle Head exemplifies the Iron Age coastal settlement patterns and fortification strategies employed in Pembrokeshire during the prehistoric period.

Old Castle Head Promontory Fort is a scheduled monument protected by Cadw under reference PE405. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Old Castle Head Promontory Fort?

Old Castle Head Promontory Fort is a prehistoric coastal fortification located in Pembrokeshire, Wales, situated on a promontory that exploits the defensive advantages of its clifftop position. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Cadw under reference PE405.

What period does Old Castle Head Promontory Fort date from?

Old Castle Head Promontory Fort dates from the prehistoric period, and is classified as a promontory fort - coastal. It is one of over 32,000 scheduled monuments protected across Britain.

Who is responsible for protecting Old Castle Head Promontory Fort?

Old Castle Head Promontory 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 PE405.

What other scheduled monuments are near Old Castle Head Promontory Fort?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Radar Station, Old Castle Head (0.2 km), Skomar Defended Enclosure (1.3 km), Manorbier Castle (1.6 km).

Aubrey Research

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