Llanvithyn Camp

Iron Age Hillfort

Llanvithyn Camp is also known as Llanfythin Camp. The site at Llanvithyn is believed to be a hillfort dating back to the Iron Age period (c. 800 BC – AD 74, the Roman conquest of Wales). Hillforts were typically located on hilltops and enclosed by imposing earthworks. While they may have served as symbols of power, their purpose could have been as much about ostentation and display as defense.

Llanvithyn hillfort is situated on a promontory facing east, with steep slopes on all sides except for a slightly rising ground to the west. The fort consists of a double row of banks and ditches at the western end of the promontory. The outer bank is 1.7m high and 23m wide, with an outer ditch measuring 4m wide and 0.8m deep on the outside. This is followed by a 6m wide ditch, and then another bank 1.5m high and 14m wide, with an external height of 1.2m on the east side. The outer bank is interrupted by a farm track at the south end, but then continues at a lower level down a steep slope to a small stream. The inner bank does not continue down the south slope, and on the north side, the outer and inner banks extend a short distance down the slope, curving around to the east and eventually fading out.

Sites near Llanvithyn Camp