Scheduled MonumentsWalesPromontory Fort on Great Castle Head
Prehistoric · Promontory Fort - coastal

Promontory Fort on Great Castle Head

Pembrokeshire, Wales
Cadw SAM PE416
Period
Prehistoric
Site type
Promontory Fort - coastal
Broad class
Defence
Nation
Wales
Boundary

Scheduled area

© Mapbox · © OpenStreetMap contributors · Boundary data © Cadw

Overview

History & significance

Promontory Fort on Great Castle Head is a prehistoric coastal defence structure located in Pembrokeshire, Wales, that dates to the Iron Age. The fort occupies a naturally defensible headland position and is defined by substantial earthwork defences that cut across the promontory, creating an enclosed area overlooking the sea. Its strategic location and fortified character indicate its role as a settlement and defensive stronghold during the Iron Age period, when such promontory forts were common features of the Welsh coastal landscape. The site represents an important example of Iron Age settlement patterns and defence strategies in southwest Wales, demonstrating the significant investment prehistoric communities made in controlling prominent coastal locations.

Promontory Fort on Great Castle Head is a scheduled monument protected by Cadw under reference PE416. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Promontory Fort on Great Castle Head?

Promontory Fort on Great Castle Head is a prehistoric coastal defence structure located in Pembrokeshire, Wales, that dates to the Iron Age. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Cadw under reference PE416.

What period does Promontory Fort on Great Castle Head date from?

Promontory Fort on Great Castle Head dates from the prehistoric period, and is classified as a promontory fort - coastal. It is one of over 32,000 scheduled monuments protected across Britain.

Who is responsible for protecting Promontory Fort on Great Castle Head?

Promontory Fort on Great Castle Head 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 PE416.

What other scheduled monuments are near Promontory Fort on Great Castle Head?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Remains of East Blockhouse N of Rat Island (3.3 km), Promontory Fort at Sheep Island (4.3 km), West Pickard Camp (5.2 km).

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