Scheduled MonumentsWalesPen-y-Castell
Prehistoric · Hillfort

Pen-y-Castell

Wales
Cadw SAM GM098
Period
Prehistoric
Site type
Hillfort
Broad class
Defence
Nation
Wales
Boundary

Scheduled area

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Overview

History & significance

Pen-y-Castell is a prehistoric hillfort located in Glamorgan, Wales, designated as a Scheduled Ancient Monument under Cadw reference GM098. The site occupies a commanding hilltop position and displays the characteristic defensive features of Iron Age fortifications, including substantial earthwork ramparts designed to enclose and protect the settlement. The monument represents an important example of later prehistoric settlement strategy in South Wales, reflecting the development of organised hilltop communities during the Iron Age period. Its prominent topographical location would have provided both defensive advantage and visual control over the surrounding landscape, typical of fortified settlements erected during this transformative period of Welsh prehistory.

Pen-y-Castell is a scheduled monument protected by Cadw under reference GM098. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Pen-y-Castell?

Pen-y-Castell is a prehistoric hillfort located in Glamorgan, Wales, designated as a Scheduled Ancient Monument under Cadw reference GM098. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Cadw under reference GM098.

What period does Pen-y-Castell date from?

Pen-y-Castell 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 Pen-y-Castell?

Pen-y-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 GM098.

What other scheduled monuments are near Pen-y-Castell?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Hen Eglwys Chapel and Defended Enclosure (5.3 km), Margam Inscribed & Sculptured Stones (5.5 km), Margam Abbey (5.6 km).

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