Iron Age hillfort, Conwy Mountain

button-theme-prehistoric-more button link to welsh translationlink_to_french_translationThe stones by the summit of Conwy Mountain are the remains of an Iron Age fortified settlement, known as Caer Lleion (or Caer Seion). It was probably used between c.300BC and 78AD. Forts were established on high ground in much of western Britain because it was harder for enemies to capture such settlements than ones in valleys. The communities in the settlements farmed the surrounding lands.

Photo of sling stones found at Caer SeionExcavations at Caer Seion in the 1950s and later found pre-Roman objects, including equipment for spinning wool. More than 400 sling stones were discovered – a stockpile of armaments for use against attackers. Iron fragments were also found, including a possible remnant of a pair of tweezers! The pictures show some of the sling stones and a larger, flatter stone which is worn – possibly a smoothing stone for burnishing metal objects.

No objects were found here from the Roman period, suggesting the hillfort may have fallen into disuse when the Romans arrived. The Romans may have torn down the walls and resettled the surviving residents in lower areas, for easier control.

The fort originally had walls around the entire hilltop except on the north side, where the cliffs provided a natural defence. A smaller fortified section was added later, partly replacing the original defensive line. Archaeologists believe both sections were used at the same time, although there was no direct route between them.

Map showing layout of Caer Seion hillfort
© Crown: Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales 
 

Unusually, there’s evidence that the original Caer Seion had a small fortified section within its peripheral walls. The two sections weren’t built simultaneously, but it’s likely that both were used at the same time. No other Welsh hillforts have this pattern.

Photo of possible smoothing stone found at Caer SeionThe remains of c.50 huts were found within the main walls, and of seven in the smaller section. The huts would have been of timber, thatch (straw used for roofing) and stone.

Traces of organic matter discovered in the fort indicate tree species which grew locally at the time (including alder, oak and hazel). They also provide important evidence of the diet of people in this area of Wales, which included wheat, oat, spelt, barley and hazelnut. Some of these were from farm crops, others harvested from wild plants.

With thanks to Conwy Archive Services and Gwynedd Archaeological Trust, and to the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales for the map of Caer Seion

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