Scheduled MonumentsWalesPen-y-Gaer Defended Enclosure
Prehistoric · Promontory Fort - inland

Pen-y-Gaer Defended Enclosure

Ceredigion, Wales
Cadw SAM CD261
Period
Prehistoric
Site type
Promontory Fort - inland
Broad class
Defence
Nation
Wales
Boundary

Scheduled area

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Overview

History & significance

Pen-y-Gaer Defended Enclosure is a prehistoric promontory fort situated in Ceredigion, Wales, and represents an important example of Iron Age defensive architecture in the region. The monument occupies a naturally prominent position that was enhanced through the construction of defensive earthworks, including banks and ditches, which exploit the topography to create a fortified settlement site. Dating to the Iron Age period, the enclosure would have served as both a defensive stronghold and focal point for settlement activity. The site's strategic inland location reflects the settlement patterns and territorial organization of Iron Age communities in mid-Wales, contributing to our understanding of prehistoric social hierarchy and land use during this transformative period of Welsh prehistory.

Pen-y-Gaer Defended Enclosure is a scheduled monument protected by Cadw under reference CD261. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Pen-y-Gaer Defended Enclosure?

Pen-y-Gaer Defended Enclosure is a prehistoric promontory fort situated in Ceredigion, Wales, and represents an important example of Iron Age defensive architecture in the region. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Cadw under reference CD261.

What period does Pen-y-Gaer Defended Enclosure date from?

Pen-y-Gaer Defended Enclosure dates from the prehistoric period, and is classified as a promontory fort - inland. It is one of over 32,000 scheduled monuments protected across the UK.

Who is responsible for protecting Pen-y-Gaer Defended Enclosure?

Pen-y-Gaer Defended Enclosure 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 CD261.

What other scheduled monuments are near Pen-y-Gaer Defended Enclosure?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Pen Clawdd-Mawr Defended Enclosure (3.7 km), Llan-Llyr Inscribed Stone (4.2 km), Castell Cwmere (5.9 km).

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