Scheduled MonumentsWalesThornton Rath
Prehistoric · Promontory Fort - inland

Thornton Rath

Pembrokeshire, Wales
Cadw SAM PE187
Period
Prehistoric
Site type
Promontory Fort - inland
Broad class
Defence
Nation
Wales
Boundary

Scheduled area

© Mapbox · © OpenStreetMap contributors · Boundary data © Cadw

Overview

History & significance

Thornton Rath is a prehistoric promontory fort situated inland in Pembrokeshire, Wales. The site is defended by a substantial bank and ditch system that cuts across a natural promontory, a defensive strategy typical of Iron Age fortifications in Wales, though earlier occupation cannot be excluded. The earthwork construction and landscape positioning suggest its primary function was territorial control and settlement protection during the later prehistoric period. The monument remains largely visible as ground earthworks and represents an important example of the defended settlement pattern characteristic of prehistoric Pembrokeshire.

Thornton Rath is a scheduled monument protected by Cadw under reference PE187. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Thornton Rath?

Thornton Rath is a prehistoric promontory fort situated inland in Pembrokeshire, Wales. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Cadw under reference PE187.

What period does Thornton Rath date from?

Thornton Rath dates from the prehistoric period, and is classified as a promontory fort - inland. It is one of over 32,000 scheduled monuments protected across Britain.

Who is responsible for protecting Thornton Rath?

Thornton Rath 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 PE187.

What other scheduled monuments are near Thornton Rath?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Eastington Manor House (5.4 km), Devil's Quoit Burial Chamber (7.3 km), Gravel Bay anti-aircraft battery (7.5 km).

Aubrey Research

Generate a full report for this location

Aubrey generates in-depth historical research for any address in Britain — drawing on scheduled monument data, Domesday records, Roman heritage, PAS finds and medieval history to reveal the complete story of a landscape.

Research the area around Thornton Rath