Scheduled MonumentsWalesSkomar Defended Enclosure
Prehistoric · Promontory Fort - coastal

Skomar Defended Enclosure

Pembrokeshire, Wales
Cadw SAM PE545
Period
Prehistoric
Site type
Promontory Fort - coastal
Broad class
Defence
Nation
Wales
Boundary

Scheduled area

© Mapbox · © OpenStreetMap contributors · Boundary data © Cadw

Overview

History & significance

Skomar Defended Enclosure is a prehistoric promontory fort located on the island of Skomer off the Pembrokeshire coast in Wales. The site occupies a naturally defended headland position and is enclosed by a substantial bank and ditch system, which cuts across the promontory to create a fortified settlement area. Dating to the Iron Age, the monument represents a significant example of coastal defensive architecture from this period, reflecting the strategic importance of maritime access and territorial control in prehistoric Pembrokeshire. The enclosure demonstrates the sophisticated understanding of landscape utilisation and fortification strategy among Iron Age communities in south Wales.

Skomar Defended Enclosure is a scheduled monument protected by Cadw under reference PE545. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Skomar Defended Enclosure?

Skomar Defended Enclosure is a prehistoric promontory fort located on the island of Skomer off the Pembrokeshire coast in Wales. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Cadw under reference PE545.

What period does Skomar Defended Enclosure date from?

Skomar Defended Enclosure dates from the prehistoric period, and is classified as a promontory fort - coastal. It is one of over 32,000 scheduled monuments protected across the UK.

Who is responsible for protecting Skomar Defended Enclosure?

Skomar Defended Enclosure 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 PE545.

What other scheduled monuments are near Skomar Defended Enclosure?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including The Old Palace, Lydstep (0.8 km), Old Castle Head Promontory Fort (1.3 km), Radar Station, Old Castle Head (1.4 km).

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