It's a large circular site comprising multiple enclosures, the outer of which may have been used for stock.
The inner enclosure is roughly pentagonal and surrounded by a single bank and ditch, best viewed on the west and south.
The outer enclosure was defended by a large bank and ditch, which have been partially destroyed by quarrying in places.
In the 17th century the hillfort was incorporated into an ambitious ornamental landscaping scheme by the Morgans of nearby Tredegar House.
Directions: This fort stands to the west of Newport. Take the main road to Bassaleg and the fort entrance is at the end of Gaer Park Avenue.
your comments
Penny Ormond Harding, Liverpool
Spent most of my childhood over the Gollars. Remember our dog got stuck down a rabbit hole, was there for 2 days before we could get him out! Really fond and happy memories :-)
caroline bristol
Im from Bristol,and used to historical sites being labelled, if u know what I mean, I lived in newport for a few years about 5 years ago walked up the gollers on a summer day. I was looking over the Bristol channel seeing where I'd come from! on the other side the views up over Wales are amazing. There was no sign to tell me what it is. It was called the gollers or the gaer fort by local people. It was a long walk from my house in Newport, then up the hill, but once at the top the view was breathtaking, - I am going to spend a day in Newport this year and will make the trek again.
Godfrey Sansom, Cwmbran
I lived in Shakspeare Crescent and spent my hols camping over the gollars and down the lighthouse, climbing the trees down the monkey trees, and collecting newts in the dingle by the railway bridge. They were good days - pity it's changed.
Christopher Williams from Newport
Who lived there? Why was the fort build there? When was the fort used? Where is Cadw? It would be good to find out these things.
Lynne, Gaer Estate, Newport
Has this site ever been investigated? This should be one for Time Team. Can this be arranged?
Chris Burrows from Caerleon
I grow up on the Gaer and spent many happy days and nights playing and camping over the gollers. Still walk my dogs over there when I visit my mum. Shame some kind of dig cannot be arranged to find out more of the history, and advertise this great place more. One for Time Team?
Matt Taylor - Newbridge
I went to view this area and I have to agree that it was overgrown and very little information at the site.
Craig, Gaer Park Drive
I think the gollars should be better recognised for its history and what it is. it wouldn't take a lot just to put up a bit of info and encourage schools to visit, then kids can learn more about The Morgans and their influence on Newport and the purpose of the fort itself.
Alan Molloy from Newport
I am afraid the Gaer fort suffers from the total lack of interest that Newport city council seems to show in anything historical. It has become very overgrown in recent years and there is absolutely no information on site. Thank God Stonehenge isn't in Newport or it would probably be a supermarket car park by now!
Benjamin Hale
I'm hugely dissapointed with the way Newport has disregarded such historic landmarks as this. This particular area is rich in hill forts, tombs and the like. Take Gwern Y Cleppa for instance, home of Ifor Heal. Or the hillfort in the woods above Bassaleg school? Stop squeezing Cearleon. I think the Graig area in general has far more history to offer.
Jo Attwood from Newport
What a great local resource for school kids studying the Celts. What a shame it wasn't signposted and there's no information - come on, Newport council!
Dr Steve Attwood
An impressive hill fort giving views over the lower Ebbw valley, Newport, and Bristol Channel. A possible circular stone hut can be seen towards the west side at the top. Well worth a visit.
stuart davies from cheshire
Spent all my childhood playing football and
cricket over the gollars during the 40-s
and early 50-s.Great place to live and very
happy memories.
