Scheduled MonumentsWalesWatery Bay Rath
Prehistoric · Promontory Fort - coastal

Watery Bay Rath

Pembrokeshire, Wales
Cadw SAM PE194
Period
Prehistoric
Site type
Promontory Fort - coastal
Broad class
Defence
Nation
Wales
Boundary

Scheduled area

© Mapbox · © OpenStreetMap contributors · Boundary data © Cadw

Overview

History & significance

Watery Bay Rath is a prehistoric promontory fort situated on the Pembrokeshire coast in Wales. The monument comprises defensive earthworks that exploit the natural geography of the coastal headland to create a fortified enclosure, with the seaward sides protected by steep cliffs and landward approaches secured by ramparts and ditches. Dating to the Iron Age or possibly earlier prehistoric periods, such promontory forts served as defensive settlements and strongholds for local communities, offering strategic advantages through their elevated coastal positions and natural barriers. The site remains an important example of prehistoric coastal fortification in Wales and is protected as a Scheduled Ancient Monument.

Watery Bay Rath is a scheduled monument protected by Cadw under reference PE194. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Watery Bay Rath?

Watery Bay Rath is a prehistoric promontory fort situated on the Pembrokeshire coast in Wales. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Cadw under reference PE194.

What period does Watery Bay Rath date from?

Watery Bay Rath 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 Watery Bay Rath?

Watery Bay 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 PE194.

What other scheduled monuments are near Watery Bay Rath?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Hut Groups on Gateholm Island (0.7 km), Martin's Haven Early Christian Inscribed Cross (1.4 km), Deer Park Promontory Fort (1.6 km).

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