Scheduled MonumentsWalesTwyn-y-Gaer
Medieval · Pillow Mound

Twyn-y-Gaer

Breconshire, Wales
Cadw SAM BR043
Period
Medieval
Site type
Pillow Mound
Broad class
Religious, Ritual and Funerary
Nation
Wales
Boundary

Scheduled area

© Mapbox · © OpenStreetMap contributors · Boundary data © Cadw

Overview

History & significance

Twyn-y-Gaer is a pillow mound located in Breconshire, Wales, and represents a form of medieval earthwork whose precise original function remains a matter of scholarly interpretation. The monument is a substantial linear or oval mound, characteristic of pillow mounds that were constructed during the medieval period, though the dating and specific purpose of such features continue to be debated among archaeologists. The site lies within an area of historical significance in Breconshire and has been recorded as a scheduled ancient monument under the Cadw designation SAM BR043, indicating its recognised archaeological importance. Pillow mounds of this type have been variously attributed to medieval warrening activities, burial practices, or ritual purposes, and Twyn-y-Gaer's classification reflects the complex and multifunctional nature of medieval earthworks in Wales.

Twyn-y-Gaer is a scheduled monument protected by Cadw under reference BR043. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Twyn-y-Gaer?

Twyn-y-Gaer is a pillow mound located in Breconshire, Wales, and represents a form of medieval earthwork whose precise original function remains a matter of scholarly interpretation. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Cadw under reference BR043.

What period does Twyn-y-Gaer date from?

Twyn-y-Gaer dates from the medieval period, and is classified as a pillow mound. It is one of over 32,000 scheduled monuments protected across the UK.

Who is responsible for protecting Twyn-y-Gaer?

Twyn-y-Gaer 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 BR043.

What other scheduled monuments are near Twyn-y-Gaer?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Y Gyrn hut platform (N) (5.3 km), Y Gyrn longhuts (5.4 km), Y Gyrn hut platforms (5.4 km).

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