Llwynda-Ddu Camp
Iron Age Hillfort
Llwynda-Ddu Camp encompasses the remnants of a hillfort believed to date back to the Iron Age period (circa 800 BC – AD 74), during the Roman conquest of Wales. Hillforts were often strategically positioned on hilltops and enclosed by imposing earthworks, serving as symbols of power and possibly for display as much as defence. The hillfort is in the territory of the Silures.
Located on the western end of a small hilltop, the site features an oval-shaped, slightly flattened area enclosed by a bank on its eastern, northern, and partial southern sides. The bank reaches its highest point on the eastern end, measuring 8 meters in width and 2-2.5 meters in height, running parallel to the field boundary. It gradually lowers towards the south and disappears along the southern side, where there is only a 1-meter drop. At the western end, the bank re-emerges, standing approximately 1 meter high, with an interned entrance in the middle measuring 3-4 meters wide, flanked by banks about 1 meter high on either side. The bank continues along the north-western corner and terminates at the field boundary. Outside the bank on the western end, there is a flat area approximately 5 meters wide, followed by a 2-meter drop to the natural ground level. On the northern side, there is no bank, only a 1-meter drop along the field boundary.
The monument is of national significance for its potential to shed light on later prehistoric defensive organization and settlement patterns. It holds a crucial place within the broader context of later prehistoric sites in the surrounding landscape. The site is well-preserved and holds substantial archaeological potential, including evidence related to chronology, building techniques, and functional details.
The scheduled area encompasses the described remains and their immediate surroundings, where further related evidence may be expected to exist. The hillfort is situated in a grass field on the western end of a small hilltop.
Sites near Llwynda-Ddu Camp
- Wenallt Camp (5 km)
Iron Age Defended Enclosures - Cardiff Roman Villa (6 km)
Villa - Miskin Roman Fort (6 km)
Flavian Auxiliary Fort (AD 69–96) - Caerau Hillfort, Llantrisant (6 km)
Iron Age Hillfort - Caerau Hillfort, Cardiff (6 km)
Iron Age Hillfort - Caerphilly Roman Fort (8 km)
Flavian Auxiliary Fort (AD 69–96) - Bonvilston Gaer Hillfort (8 km)
Iron Age Hillfort - Pen-y-Coedcae Marching Camp (8 km)
Marching or Temporary Camp - Lle'r Gaer Enclosure (8 km)
Iron Age Defended Enclosures - Cardiff (Tamion?) Roman Fort (8 km)
Saxon Shore Fort and Vexillation Fort