Cadw has supported a series of surveys to improve understanding of prehistoric defended enclosures across Wales. Following an initial scoping study by Gwynedd Archaeological Trust, Dyfed Archaeological Trust carried out assessments in Ceredigion (2005–06), Pembrokeshire (2006–07) and Carmarthenshire (2007–08). In Carmarthenshire alone, 214 sites were recorded, including hillforts, promontory forts and smaller defended enclosures, with 46 protected as Scheduled Ancient Monuments. While most of the larger earthworks remain in good condition, many smaller enclosures have deteriorated in recent decades, particularly those only visible as cropmarks. These surveys provide an essential baseline for monitoring and managing some of the county’s most important prehistoric sites.
Related Projects
CROP-MARKED ENCLOSURES IN SOUTH CEREDIGION AND NORTH PEMBROKESHIRE 2005: GEOPHYSICAL SURVEY
Monuments and Landscapes
Since the 1980s, aerial photography has identified over 55 crop-marked enclosures in south Ceredigion and several more in north Pembrokeshire, many of them rectangular in form. As little…
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WETLAND MARGINS SURVEY: CORS FOCHNO
Geophysics
As part of a Cadw-funded project, this study examined the archaeological potential of the estuarine raised bog at Cors Fochno in northern Ceredigion. Fieldwork and documentary research—supported by…
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MEDIEVAL AND POST-MEDIEVAL CROSSES
Ecclesiastic
As part of Cadw’s threat-related assessment programme, this project reviewed the condition and significance of medieval and post-medieval crosses across southwest Wales. Of more than 100 known sites,…
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