The fort is on an imposing hill overlooking the River Teifi. The defences measure about Шаблон:Convert north to south, and Шаблон:Convert east to west, following the contours of the hill, enclosing an area of about Шаблон:Convert. The drystone rampart, of which traces remain, was originally Шаблон:Convert thick. There is a ditch around the rampart (except on the very steep north-east side); stones from the rampart have fallen into this. There is an entrance on the south-west, where two further banks create a barbican and where there is also a small area of chevaux de frise: sharp stones set on end, of which about 30 remain.[1][2][3]
Craig Gwrtheyrn (Vortigern's Rock), or Caer Gwrtheyrn (Vortigern's Castle), is associated with the 5th-century British warlord Vortigern. He may be mythical; there are various historical accounts written in subsequent centuries in which he seems to be described. According to one story (in Historia Brittonum, compiled in the 9th century) Vortigern, fleeing from St Germanus, built a castle on the River Teifi. A fire, brought from heaven by the prayers of St Germanus, who had followed him there, set the castle alight; Vortigern, his family and other inhabitants of the castle perished.[3]
There are other versions of Vortigern's death, and other places where it is claimed he was buried. It is not known if the hillfort acquired its name later or earlier than this legend associated with it.[3]
