The Glamorgan-Gwent Archaeological Trust
Historic Environment Record
 

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Tump Terret Motte, Trellech

Primary Reference Number (PRN) : 00855g
Trust : Glamorgan Gwent
Community : Trellech United
Unitary authority : Monmouthshire
NGR : SO49990535
Site Type (preferred type first) : Medieval Motte
Status : Scheduled Monument

Summary :
This large steep-sided grass covered mound was first documented in 1231. In 1306 it was described as "the site of the old castle". The mound has a flat top with some erosion to the S, and a small hollow in the centre. Only the N side is ditched.

Description :
Large steep-sided grass covered mound c5m high. It has a flat top c14m in diameter, with a small hollow in the centre and a bite out of the top of the S side.
No ditch outside the mound on S or W sides, on N side is a wide flat-bottomed ditch 4m wide and 2.2m deep. On E side is a slight ditch c0.7m deep.
First documented in 1231 and described as "the site of the old castle" in 1306.

Phillips notes that Trelech earthwork comprises an earthen mound with steep sides; the motte is surrounded by a levelled ditch (excepting the south and west sides) and it was first recorded on a sketch-plan made sometime between 1937 and 1940 by Kay which shows the complete ditch before it was damaged by the farm buildings. The north section of the earthwork survives the best. The motte (height of 5.58m, a top surface area of 142.762m² and an estimated volume of 2236.956m³) has a natural base indicating that its present base of 758.373m² is close to original. The surviving northern ditch separates a raised portion of land from the motte; Phillips records that at this point the depth is 2.6m with a bottom width of 4.3m and refers to excavations and a geophysical survey made in 2002-3 indicating a new interpretation of where the position of the bailey. Phillips concludes by interpreting the site as an early motte and bailey built during the initial conquest of the area, speculating on its original size and indicating major defensive issues (Phillips 2004).

Sources :
Blockley, M and Dingwall, L , 2000 , An assessment of the archaeological and industrial heritage of the Wye Valley AONB
Connors, O. J. , 2013 , The Effects of Anglo-Norman Lordship upon the Landscape of Post-Conquest Monmouthshire
Phillips, N. , 2004 , Thesis: Earthwork Castles of Gwent and Ergyng AD 1050 - 1250
Wakeman, T , 1855 , Pre-Historic Remains in Monmouthshire , Archaeologia Cambrensis : 10 : 120-123
01/PM List/Cadw/1993/AM107
02/PM List/Cadw/1986/Scheduled Monument Consent Application
03/Desc Text/Cadw/ Full Management Report/2006/ Copy in further information file
03/Desc Text/Cadw/Full Management Report/2007/Copy in further information file.

Events :
E004063 : Earthwork Castles of Gwent and Ergyng AD 1050 - 1250 (year : 2004)
E002646 : Assessment of the Wye Valley DBA (year : 2000)
E008772 : GGAT52: Monmouthshire Historic Settlements, Trellech & Usk (year : 1997)
E008772 : GGAT52: Monmouthshire Historic Settlements, Trellech & Usk (year : 1997)

Related records
National Monuments Record NPRN 306480 http://www.coflein.gov.uk/en/site/306480/details/trellech-motte

Compiled date : 02-04-1988


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