Scheduled MonumentsWalesY Bwlwarcau
Prehistoric · Hillfort

Y Bwlwarcau

Wales
Cadw SAM GM059
Period
Prehistoric
Site type
Hillfort
Broad class
Defence
Nation
Wales
Boundary

Scheduled area

© Mapbox · © OpenStreetMap contributors · Boundary data © Cadw

Overview

History & significance

Y Bwlwarcau is a prehistoric hillfort located in Glamorgan, Wales. The site dates to the Iron Age and comprises a substantial defensive earthwork consisting of multiple banks and ditches that enclose an elevated position. The monument's name translates from Welsh as "the bulwarks," reflecting the prominent defensive character of its construction. As a scheduled ancient monument under Cadw protection, Y Bwlwarcau represents an important example of Iron Age fortified settlement in South Wales, demonstrating the strategic use of topography and earthwork engineering typical of the period.

Y Bwlwarcau is a scheduled monument protected by Cadw under reference GM059. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Y Bwlwarcau?

Y Bwlwarcau is a prehistoric hillfort located in Glamorgan, Wales. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Cadw under reference GM059.

What period does Y Bwlwarcau date from?

Y Bwlwarcau 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 Y Bwlwarcau?

Y Bwlwarcau 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 GM059.

What other scheduled monuments are near Y Bwlwarcau?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Cefn Cribwr Ironworks (5.2 km), Pen-y-Castell Camp (5.9 km), Sculptured Cross Llanmihangel Farm (6.2 km).

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