The Glamorgan-Gwent Archaeological Trust
Historic Environment Record
 

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White Castle, Llantilio Crossenny

Primary Reference Number (PRN) : 01407g
Trust : Glamorgan Gwent
Community : Llantilio Crossenny
Unitary authority : Monmouthshire
NGR : SO3795616754
Site Type (preferred type first) : Medieval Castle
Status : Site Cared for by the State

Summary :
White Castle, also known as Llantilio Castle, is reported to have been started in 1184-5, although a record of 'repairs' in 1163 suggests that a timber castle already existed on this site.

Description :
White Castle, also known as Llantilio Castle, is reported to have been started in 1184-5, although a record of 'repairs' in 1163 suggests that a timber castle already existed on this site.

Phillips notes that White Castle is part of a group of three associated castles (with Skenfrith and Grosmont); key features of the castle include its masonry construction which was built on a mound surrounded by a ditch (and thus on the same height as the surrounding landscape) and no natural defences (Phillips 2004).

Aerial photographs.
Existing form of early 13th century defences can be attributed to Hubert de Burgh who demolished the original Norman keep and added six round towers and curtain walls. One pair of towers became the gatehouse. 13th century moat is exceptionally wide and deep and still holds water. (Sorrell 2017)

Sources :
Phillips, N. , 2004 , Thesis: Earthwork Castles of Gwent and Ergyng AD 1050 - 1250
R.W.B. , 1876 , The Castle of Grosmont, Skenfrith and White Castle. , Archaeologia Cambrensis : 31 : 299
Roderick A.J & Rees W. , 1950 , The Lordships of Abergavenny, Grosmont, Skenfrith and White Castle. (Accounts of the ministers for the yaer 1256-1257. Publ.Rec.Office, ministers accounts Bundle 1094, No 11.) , South Wales and Monmouth Record Society : 2 : 78,81,85,101,105,109
Ronnfeldt , 1889 , Notes on Skenfrith, Grosmont and White Castle. , Transactions of Cardiff Naturalist Society : XXI pt.I : 37-40
Sorrell. J. , 2017 , Hidden History: Archaeology from the air in South-East Wales
Taylor A.J. , 1961 , White Castle in the 13th century: a reconsideration , Medival Archaeology : 5 : 169-175
The Handley Partnership , HAAbase built heritage assessment system: Buildings at Risk database

Events :
E004063 : Earthwork Castles of Gwent and Ergyng AD 1050 - 1250 (year : 2004)

Related records
National Monuments Record NPRN 94853 http://www.coflein.gov.uk/en/site/94853/details/white-castle-llantilio

Compiled date : 02-09-1988


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