The Glamorgan-Gwent Archaeological Trust
Historic Environment Record
 

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Castel Arnold (Castell Arnallt), Llanover

Primary Reference Number (PRN) : 01354g
Trust : Glamorgan Gwent
Community : Llanover
Unitary authority : Monmouthshire
NGR : SO32001006
Site Type (preferred type first) : Medieval Castle
Status : Scheduled Monument

Summary :
The site of the stronghold of Sitsyllt ap Dyfnwal, treacherously murdered at Abergavenny Castle on Christmas Day 1175 by William de Breos. The site was then abandoned.

Description :
The site of the stronghold of Sitsyllt ap Dyfnwal, treacherously murdered at Abergavenny Castle on Christmas Day 1175 by William de Breos. The site was then abandoned. (01)

Phillips notes that the site of Castell Arnallt comprises a large, oblong mound (with large surface area at 10,671.346m³, elevated by a 43% gradient to a maximum height above natural of 8.19m) lying in pasture land by the side of the River Usk which is currently used as grazing land. In a good state of preservation, it is stated that the long axis of the mound can be divided into two areas. Examination of the site suggest that the mound has a series of possible masonry walls across the surface indicating that it is very near to its original height, and that the mound had a good number of sub-surface structures of more than one phase of construction. Phillips notes that there is the possibility of a gate structure to the west side of the upper mound, and interprets the site as a Llys (pre-1175) using natural formations with no raised motte and utilised as a centre of administration (Phillips 2004).

Aerial photographs show a ring bank around the top of the mound and signs of buildings at the bottom. Mound could be artificial but almost certainly is a glacial moraine (Sorrell 2017)

The presumed site of Castell Arnallt is a low moraine, close to the east bank of the River Usk. The flat top of the mound slopes down towards the west, which suggests that surface irregularities mask masonry remains. There is no evidence of a bailey or surrounding buildings. The site is protected as a scheduled ancient Monument (SAM Mn 86) (Locock and Maynard 2015). A possible settlement site has recently been identified to the west of the mound (Mein 1995b)

Sources :
Connors, O. J. , 2013 , The Effects of Anglo-Norman Lordship upon the Landscape of Post-Conquest Monmouthshire
Locock M and Maynard D J , 1997 , Monmouthshire Historic Settlements An Archaeological Survey Part 1: Hundreds of Abergavenny and Skenfrith
Mein A G , 1995b , Castell Arnallt , Archaeology in Wales : 35 : 63
Phillips N , 2000 , Castell Arnallt Survey Lanover Fawr , Archaeology in Wales : 40 : 107-109
Phillips, N. , 2004 , Thesis: Earthwork Castles of Gwent and Ergyng AD 1050 - 1250
Sorrell. J. , 2017 , Hidden History: Archaeology from the air in South-East Wales
01/Mm AP Gazeteer/2004 January/Sorrell John/Aerial Archaeological Photographs of Gwent/SMR
02/Desc Text/Cadw/ Full Management Report/2006/ Copy in further information file

Events :
E004063 : Earthwork Castles of Gwent and Ergyng AD 1050 - 1250 (year : 2004)
E008750 : GGAT52: Monmouthshire Historic Settlements (Part 1), Abergavenny & Skenfrith (year : 1996-1997)

Related records
National Monuments Record NPRN 93458
National Monuments Record NPRN 275974 http://www.coflein.gov.uk/en/site/275974/details/castell-arnallt

Compiled date : 02-09-1988


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