Cefn Carnedd

Coordinates: 52°29′56″N 3°26′57″W / 52.49889°N 3.44917°W / 52.49889; -3.44917
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Cefn Carnedd
Cefn Carnedd is located in Powys
Cefn Carnedd
Shown within Powys
LocationNear Caersws, Wales
Coordinates52°29′56″N 3°26′57″W / 52.49889°N 3.44917°W / 52.49889; -3.44917
OS grid referenceSO 016 900
TypeHillfort
Length437 metres (1,434 ft)
Width84 metres (276 ft)
Area6 hectares (15 acres)
History
PeriodsIron Age

Cefn Carnedd is an Iron Age hillfort, about 1.5 miles (2 km) south-west of Caersws, in Powys, Wales. It is a scheduled monument.[1]

It is on a hill overlooking the River Severn to the east, and Afon Cerist and Afon Trannon to the north; there is a river confluence to the north-east, between the fort and Caersws.

Description[edit]

The fort is about 437 metres (1,434 ft) by 84 metres (276 ft) orientated north-east to south-west, aligned with the shape of the hill; it encloses an area of about 6 hectares (15 acres). There are triple banks and ditches on the north-west side, and there are entrances in the north-east and south-west.[1][2]

In an early phase, there was a smaller fort of 1.6 hectares (4.0 acres) at the south-west end, traces of the north-east rampart of this being visible in aerial photographs. There is a straight bank and ditch across the interior, which was built at a late stage.[1][2]

History[edit]

It is thought that the fort may have been a stronghold of the Ordovices, and it is one of the locations suggested as the site of Caratacus' last battle in AD 51, when he was defeated by the Romans.[3]

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b c "Cefn Carnedd hillfort, near Caersws (94016)". Coflein. RCAHMW. Retrieved 15 October 2021.
  2. ^ a b Christopher Houlder. Wales: An Archaeological Guide. Faber and Faber, 1978. Page 96.
  3. ^ "Cefn Carnedd: Possible battle site, near Caersws (403831)". Coflein. RCAHMW. Retrieved 15 October 2021.