The Glamorgan-Gwent Archaeological Trust
Historic Environment Record
 

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Llangibby Castle Mound

Primary Reference Number (PRN) : 00336g
Trust : Glamorgan Gwent
Community : Llangybi
Unitary authority : Monmouthshire
NGR : ST36959735
Site Type (preferred type first) : Medieval Motte and bailey
Status : Scheduled Monument

Summary :
Between the castle & the road is a mound considered to have been an outpost of the castle, consisting of ca.1 acre of ground surrounded by a dry moat.

Description :
Between the castle & the road is a mound considered to have been an outpost of the castle, consisting of ca.1 acre of ground surrounded by a dry moat.

Phillips notes that Llangiby earthwork (also known as Bowling Green) is not accessible as it is situated with the private grounds of Llangiby Estate; it comprises a slightly raised (no more than 1.2m high), large, flat-topped circular mound almost entirely surrounded by a ditch, in places up to 2.89m in depth below the natural surface. It is noted that a narrow berm surmounted by a possible earthen ramparted shell-keep follows the circumference of the mound, and masonry courses within the mound are exposed in sections.

Phillips notes no evidence of a bailey though some could be possible locations for one, and that modern buildings fill the most likely location. Extensive 18th century landscape gardening is evident within the area, indicating that archaeological features may have been lost in this period. One theory is that the site predates the unfinished stone castle to the west favouring an early date for its construction.

Based on the unusual shape of the mound (two straight sides with a right angled corner), Phillips concludes that this is a feature which may indicate a moated or fortified site, indicating that Llangiby may post-date the stone castle and used as a more labour intensive habitation than the then deserted Llangiby Castle. He also notes that the shell-keep may not have been part of the original construction, though without excavation this is not certain (Phillips 2004).

Sources :
, Ordnance Survey Map
Phillips, N. , 2004 , Thesis: Earthwork Castles of Gwent and Ergyng AD 1050 - 1250
Savory H.N. , 1950 , List of Hill-Forts and Other Earthworks in Wales: II Monmouthshire , The Bulletin of the Board of Celtic Studies : XIII pt.IV : 231-238
02/PM Desc Text//Bradney JA/1921/Hist of Monm/V3 p103
08/MM Desc Text/Cadw/Whittle E/1987//
01/PM Desc Text///1936/Arch Camb/V91 p375
07/MM Photo/GGAT/Lewis W/1980//
05/MM Record Card/OS//1957/ST 39 NE 16/
04/PM List//Min of Works/1953/List of Anc.Monuments/p136
03/PM Desc Text//Savory HN/1950/BBCS/B13 p238
06/MM Air Photo///UK/1997/4244-5

Events :
E004063 : Earthwork Castles of Gwent and Ergyng AD 1050 - 1250 (year : 2004)
E008526 : Castle Farm, Llangybi, Near Usk, Monmouthshire (year : 2022)

Related records
National Monuments Record NPRN 93441

Compiled date : 02-01-1988


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