CYMRAEG search COVID-19 (Coronavirus) For details on service changes visit our Coronavirus information and advice page. IRON AGE PEMBROKESHIRE Home / About the National Park / History / Iron Age Pembrokeshire SHARE THIS The legacy of the Iron Age is written large on the landscape of Pembrokeshire. As a place which has largely escaped the developments of the modern age, Pembrokeshire is scattered with a rich tapestry of Iron Age and prehistoric standing stones, hill forts, field patterns and roundhouse remains. The Iron Age began around 500 BC and lasted until the early centuries AD. In Pembrokeshire it began with the arrival of Celtic settlers, organised into warlike tribes. These people established their homes across the landscape, and took an interest in the high places and coastal cliffs of the area. Hill forts can be found across the Preseli Hills, but none is more impressive than the splendid Foel Drygarn. COASTAL SETTLEMENTS Along the coast, people took advantage of the promontory cliffs. To ensure their safety from landward attack they raised high banks, such as can be seen at Flimston Cauldron Fort and at St David’s Head, where the defensive bank is known as the Warrior’s Dyke. Yet, these Iron Age people were not entirely warlike. They also cultivated the land, tending crops and livestock. On Skomer Island the field boundaries that were established during the Iron Age continued to be used for centuries after. The ghosts of roundhouses can be found tucked under the lee of windward slopes. EXPERIENCE THE IRON AGE The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority owns and manages the recreated Iron Age hill fort at Castell Henllys on the fringe of the Preseli Hills. Archaeological studies have enabled the construction of roundhouses on the footprints of the original buildings. Visitors can sample life in the Iron Age, while schools can travel back in time and help prepare the evening feast and construct a roundhouse. The darker side of Celtic life is seldom far away, and children need to be ready to train as warriors, just as their ancestors would have done. CASTELL HENLLYS IRON AGE VILLAGE Step back in time 2,000 years to the Iron Age at Castell Henllys! Please note you must book your tickets before visiting. READ MORE ON FIND OUT MORE ABOUT PEMBROKESHIRE'S HISTORY REFLECTIONS FROM CASTLEMARTIN 1939 The culmination of a project to recognise the 80th anniversary of the creation of the Castlemartin Range. READ MORE ON REFLECTIONS FROM CASTLEMARTIN 1939 TUDOR PEMBROKESHIRE The victory of Henry Tudor at Bosworth field in August 1485 ushered in a new era of British history; the beginning of the Tudor Dynasty. T READ MORE ON TUDOR PEMBROKESHIRE THE AGE OF PRINCES The Age of Princes broadly covers a period in history from the arrival of the Normans to the end of the War of the Roses that is generally known as th... READ MORE ON THE AGE OF PRINCES ABOUT THE NATIONAL PARK SUSTAINABILITY Find out how the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority tackles the issues of sustainability, climate change and sea level rise. READ MORE ON SUSTAINABILITY FACTS AND FIGURES Find out some fascinating facts that highlight what makes the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park so special. READ MORE ON FACTS AND FIGURES ACCESS AND RIGHTS OF WAY We do our best to ensure that you have access to all the best bits, so around 1,000 km of the network of public rights of way in the National Park is ... READ MORE ON ACCESS AND RIGHTS OF WAY ARCHAEOLOGY The historic environment is part of what makes the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park such a special place. People have lived and worked in the park fo... READ MORE ON ARCHAEOLOGY WILDLIFE Explore the amazing wildlife that makes its home on the Pembrokeshire Coast. READ MORE ON WILDLIFE HABITATS The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park has many habitats which support a wide variety of wildlife; both common and rare. READ MORE ON HABITATS GEOLOGY When you think about the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park you may conjure up images of beautiful beaches, panoramic views from the Coast Path and qua... READ MORE ON GEOLOGY HISTORY In this section we invite you to travel back in time and explore the rich cultural history of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. READ MORE ON HISTORY CULTURE AND HERITAGE Pembrokeshire has a rich and diverse culture which has been shaped down the centuries by waves of invaders and settlers. READ MORE ON CULTURE AND HERITAGE GEOGRAPHY Explore the stunning geography of the Pembrokeshire Coast, which after all is the reason for Pembrokeshire being designated as a National Park. READ MORE ON GEOGRAPHY GET IN TOUCH Contact us and register your details to get the latest updates on what's happening in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. CONTACT US National Park Office Llanion Park Pembroke Dock Pembrokeshire, SA72 6DY Tel: 01646 624800 Email: info@pembrokeshirecoast.org.uk VISITING Plan your visit Access for All Carew Castle and Tidal Mill Castell Henllys Iron Age Village Oriel y Parc Gallery and Visitor Centre QUICK LINKS About the National Park Authority About the National Park Planning Contact Us News Jobs Accessibility Statement Privacy Policy Terms & Conditions Cookie Policy Sitemap © 2021 Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However you may visit Cookie Settings to provide a controlled consent. Cookie settingsACCEPT