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

Promontory Fort on Little Castle Head

Pembrokeshire, Wales
Cadw SAM PE408
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 Little Castle Head is a prehistoric defensive structure occupying a naturally defensible headland on the Pembrokeshire coast. The fort comprises a substantial rampart and ditch system that cuts across the narrowest point of the promontory, exploiting the natural cliff faces on three sides to create an enclosed fortified enclosure. Dating to the Iron Age, this monument represents a characteristic example of coastal promontory fort architecture found in South Wales, where such sites served defensive and possibly communal functions. The earthwork remains visible today as a key archaeological witness to prehistoric settlement patterns and territorial organisation in the region, with its strategic coastal location suggesting roles in both defence and marine resource management.

Promontory Fort on Little Castle Head is a scheduled monument protected by Cadw under reference PE408. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Promontory Fort on Little Castle Head?

Promontory Fort on Little Castle Head is a prehistoric defensive structure occupying a naturally defensible headland on the Pembrokeshire coast. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Cadw under reference PE408.

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

Promontory Fort on Little 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 Little Castle Head?

Promontory Fort on Little 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 PE408.

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

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Remains of East Blockhouse N of Rat Island (4 km), Promontory Fort at Sheep Island (4.8 km), West Pickard Camp (5.5 km).

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