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Potter's Cave is a prehistoric cave located in Wales, protected by Cadw as a scheduled monument under reference PE424. The cave has formed within Devonian claystone bedrock, a durable sedimentary deposit laid down during the Carboniferous period. Layers of sandstone, siltstone and carbonate deposits interspersed within this claystone sequence have contributed to the geological character of the cave system, with the more resistant carbonate bands helping to create stable chamber spaces.
The cave's formation within these consolidated sedimentary rocks reflects the complex geology of South Wales, where varied mineral composition has influenced natural hollow development over geological timescales. The claystone matrix, whilst generally less soluble than limestone, has yielded where fracturing and water percolation have concentrated erosional forces, enabling the cave to become a sheltered space.
The cave's archaeological significance lies in its occupation during prehistoric times, when such natural rock shelters were valued as secure habitats and activity sites. The protection afforded by Cadw ensures the preservation of the cave's archaeological deposits and geological features for future study and public heritage understanding.
Potter`s Cave is a scheduled monument protected by Cadw under reference PE424. View the official record →
Potter's Cave is a prehistoric cave located in Wales, protected by Cadw as a scheduled monument under reference PE424.
Potter`s Cave dates from the prehistoric period, and is classified as a cave. It is one of over 32,000 scheduled monuments protected across the UK.
Potter`s Cave 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 PE424.
Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Nanna's Cave (0.3 km), Daylight Rock Mesolithic Site (0.8 km), Fort St Catherine (3.2 km).
This page is just one thread. A full Aubrey report pulls together 13 strands of Potter`s Cave's history, each drawn from the record and mapped to the exact spot:
Every location is different. Not every section appears for every place, only what the historical record actually holds turns up in a report.
Potter`s Cave stands on Devonian claystone, bedrock that formed in the Carboniferous. The rock here is major:{claystone}, Minor{sandstone,siltstone,carbonates, consolidated}.