Prehistoric · Ringwork

Y Gaer

Wales
Cadw SAM GM079
Period
Prehistoric
Site type
Ringwork
Broad class
Defence
Nation
Wales
Boundary

Scheduled area

© Mapbox · © OpenStreetMap contributors · Boundary data © Cadw

Overview

History & significance

Y Gaer is a prehistoric ringwork situated in Glamorgan, Wales, comprising a single defensive bank and ditch enclosure. The monument dates to the Iron Age and represents a form of fortified settlement typical of Welsh hillforts from this period. The earthwork's physical structure, consisting of an outer bank with an internal ditch, would have served both defensive and territorial purposes for its Iron Age community. Y Gaer's preservation and recorded status as a Scheduled Ancient Monument reflects its importance to understanding Iron Age settlement patterns and defensive strategies in South Wales.

Y Gaer is a scheduled monument protected by Cadw under reference GM079. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Y Gaer?

Y Gaer is a prehistoric ringwork situated in Glamorgan, Wales, comprising a single defensive bank and ditch enclosure. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Cadw under reference GM079.

What period does Y Gaer date from?

Y Gaer dates from the prehistoric period, and is classified as a ringwork. It is one of over 32,000 scheduled monuments protected across Britain.

Who is responsible for protecting Y Gaer?

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 GM079.

What other scheduled monuments are near Y Gaer?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including East Orchard Manor House (7.5 km), East Orchard Wood Pillbox (7.9 km), Site of Medieval Mill & Mill Leat Cliffwood (8.2 km).

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