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New Perspectives on the Architecture and Function of Welsh Hillforts and Defended Settlements

Toby Driver

Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales, Ffordd Penglais Aberystwyth SY23 3BU. Email: toby.driver@rcahmw.gov.uk

Cite this as: Driver, T. 2018 New Perspectives on the Architecture and Function of Welsh Hillforts and Defended Settlements, Internet Archaeology 48. https://doi.org/10.11141/ia.48.9

Summary

Pen y Bannau hillfort, near Strata Florida, Ceredigion

There are so many hillforts in Wales that their 'architecture' and designs seem to be infinitely varied. In fact, dominant cultural traditions appear to have influenced the construction and design of at least some of the larger hillforts, while recurrent themes in the layout of entranceways, and the positioning and orientation of key defences, can be observed. This article argues for a fresh look at the subject of hillfort architecture and function in Wales and for long-held preconceptions to be challenged. In-depth analysis of individual sites and local groups of hillforts is discussed in preference to generalised national narratives.

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