Scheduled MonumentsWalesRuperra Hillfort and Motte
Prehistoric · Hillfort

Ruperra Hillfort and Motte

Wales
Cadw SAM GM511
Period
Prehistoric
Site type
Hillfort
Broad class
Defence
Nation
Wales
Boundary

Scheduled area

© Mapbox · © OpenStreetMap contributors · Boundary data © Cadw

Overview

History & significance

Ruperra Hillfort and Motte is a composite defensive site located in Glamorgan, Wales, which comprises both Iron Age hillfort earthworks and a later medieval motte. The hillfort element represents Iron Age settlement and defence, whilst the motte, a characteristic Norman fortification, was constructed in the medieval period, likely in the twelfth century. The site demonstrates the strategic importance of this location across different historical periods, with successive communities choosing the elevated position for defensive purposes. The earthwork remains preserve evidence of these two distinct phases of fortification, making the site significant for understanding both prehistoric and medieval Welsh military architecture.

Ruperra Hillfort and Motte is a scheduled monument protected by Cadw under reference GM511. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Ruperra Hillfort and Motte?

Ruperra Hillfort and Motte is a composite defensive site located in Glamorgan, Wales, which comprises both Iron Age hillfort earthworks and a later medieval motte. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Cadw under reference GM511.

What period does Ruperra Hillfort and Motte date from?

Ruperra Hillfort and Motte 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 Ruperra Hillfort and Motte?

Ruperra Hillfort and Motte 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 GM511.

What other scheduled monuments are near Ruperra Hillfort and Motte?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Castle Field Camp E Of Craig-Llywn (3.2 km), Druidstone Standing Stone (3.7 km), Pen-y-Lan Camp (4 km).

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