FLIMSTON BAY CAMP, CASTLEMARTIN

Site Description

Flimston Bay Camp is one of the most spectacular promontory forts of Pembrokeshire, with three lines of curving landward defence, 120m in length, cutting off the eroding and collapsing limestone headland of Flimston Castles. The defences include a pair of close-set ramparts, comprising a double bank and ditch (10m wide by 1.1m high and 10m wide by 1.1m deep respectively) to the west of a centrally placed entrance. To the east of the entrance, the ramparts are sculpted out of sloping ground and comprise at least 2 scarps up to 3m high with an outer ditch, 12m wide and 2.1m deep. Later quarrying has disturbed the exact arrangement in this area. A third, in places very denuded bank, 8m wide and up to 1.4m high, with the faint traces of an outer ditch, is set some 30m to the north of the inner ramparts and suggests a different phase of enlargement or reduction. The interspace created could have functioned as a corralling place for stock, or as an annexe for trading, secure from the innermost enclosure. A later boundary bank and ditch runs through this area.

The interior of the camp encompasses an area of 1.6 ha, however a large part of this comprises a series of impressive geological faults, including a large deeply inset cove. Within the internal area, particularly on sloping ground on the east side are a series of shallow scoops likely to represent house platforms. A later terraced road (NPRN 409292) also runs through the interior and leads to the remains of a quay (NPRN 409293) at the southern tip of the promontory.

A detailed survey of the camp was carried out by RCAHMW in 2009.

Louise Barker and Toby Driver, RCAHMW, 4th August 2009.

Coflein

FLIMSTON BAY CAMP, CASTLEMARTIN

Site Details

Site Description