Prehistoric Hill Forts 

First inventory of the hill forts in Brecon share was published in 1950 by H N Savory. This was partly based on earlier antiquarian sources notably Theophilus Jones History of Brecknockshire.

Location considerations:

A number of factors contributed to the pattern of distribution of hill forts in the Brecon Beacons.  Generally the very highest ridges are avoided as they would have presumably been very exposed, would not have been with in a short distance of a water supply, and the surrounding land would have been unsuitable or less suitable for cultivation. In a mountainous region such as the Brecon Beacons even in the milder conditions prevailing in prehistoric times of the higher the altitude of the shorter the growing season. Where a hilltop location has been chosen to locate a fort for defensive purposes it is generally the case that nearby you would also find a good water supply, and adjacent land suitable for cultivation and grazing.  In addition it is notable over the majority of hill fort enclosures would have covered an area less than one hectare reinforcing the belief that they served as fortified homesteads for extended family groups.

The impact of climate:

Mountainous terrain such as the Brecon Beacons will have the weather patterns that vary in relation to altitude and outlook. Weather patterns generally and the level of rainfall in particular will also change throughout the year. Clearly in such a circumstance a prehistoric family would choose carefully the location of a fortified homestead.  It would need to be high enough serve as a defensive position but not so exposed as to offer poor prospects for cultivation and grazing. it has been estimated that the growing season at an altitude above 180 m would be approximately two to four weeks shorter than below that altitude.