Scheduled MonumentsWalesPencastell Hillfort
Prehistoric · Hillfort

Pencastell Hillfort

Carmarthenshire, Wales
Cadw SAM CM295
Period
Prehistoric
Site type
Hillfort
Broad class
Defence
Nation
Wales
Boundary

Scheduled area

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Overview

History & significance

Pencastell Hillfort is a prehistoric defensive structure located in Carmarthenshire, Wales, and forms part of the recorded archaeological heritage under Cadw designation SAM CM295. The site dates to the Iron Age, a period during which hillforts served as centres of settlement, trade, and territorial control across Wales and the broader British Isles. The hillfort is defined by substantial earthwork defences comprising ramparts and ditches that follow the natural contours of the landscape, characteristic of Iron Age fortification design in the region. Such monuments represent significant investments in labour and organisation by Iron Age communities and provide important evidence for understanding settlement patterns, social hierarchy, and defensive strategies in prehistoric Wales.

Pencastell Hillfort is a scheduled monument protected by Cadw under reference CM295. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Pencastell Hillfort?

Pencastell Hillfort is a prehistoric defensive structure located in Carmarthenshire, Wales, and forms part of the recorded archaeological heritage under Cadw designation SAM CM295. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Cadw under reference CM295.

What period does Pencastell Hillfort date from?

Pencastell Hillfort 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 Pencastell Hillfort?

Pencastell Hillfort 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 CM295.

What other scheduled monuments are near Pencastell Hillfort?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Castell Mawr Mound and Bailey Castle (2 km), Crug Hywel Round Barrow (5 km), Pant-Glas Round Barrow (5.1 km).

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