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 situated in Glamorgan, Wales, and represents an important example of Iron Age defensive settlement in South Wales. The site is defined by substantial earthwork fortifications comprising multiple ramparts and ditches that enclose the hilltop, characteristic of the hillfort tradition that flourished during the later prehistoric period. The monument dates to the Iron Age, when such hillforts served as centres of settlement, defence, and possibly territorial control for local communities. The site's strategic location and defensive architecture reflect the social organisation and security concerns of Iron Age societies in Wales during the centuries preceding the Roman conquest.

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 situated in Glamorgan, Wales, and represents an important example of Iron Age defensive settlement in South Wales. 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 Britain.

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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