The Glamorgan-Gwent Archaeological Trust
Historic Environment Record
 

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Goytre Wood Castle Mound

Primary Reference Number (PRN) : 01635g
Trust : Glamorgan Gwent
Community : Grosmont
Unitary authority : Monmouthshire
NGR : SO35322330
Site Type (preferred type first) : Medieval Motte
Status : Scheduled Monument

Summary :
Phillips notes that key features of the Great Goytre motte (also known as Gwern Castle) include an almost complete ditch surrounding the small, badly preserved motte (with a top surface area of only 56.15m² and a base area of only 268.66m²)with vestiges of ramparts. Whilst its location does is not naturally defensive, it provides an extensive vantage point over the countryside and it is situated by a trackway of which it may have guarded. Phillips interprets the site as a motte/watch-tower; the size of the motte indicates an early date but the possible masonry tower indicates more permanence and a 12th century date. A bailey is thought to lie to the north east but this is discounted as unlikely for it would overshadow the motte. It is also suggested that the motte would have guarded a nearby quarry which would have supplied stone for the castles of Grosmont, Llancillo or Abergaveny (Phillips 2004).

Description :
Phillips notes that key features of the Great Goytre motte (also known as Gwern Castle) include an almost complete ditch surrounding the small, badly preserved motte (with a top surface area of only 56.15m² and a base area of only 268.66m²)with vestiges of ramparts. Whilst its location does is not naturally defensive, it provides an extensive vantage point over the countryside and it is situated by a trackway of which it may have guarded.

Phillips interprets the site as a motte/watch-tower; the size of the motte indicates an early date but the possible masonry tower indicates more permanence and a 12th century date. A bailey is thought to lie to the north east but this is discounted as unlikely for it would overshadow the motte. It is also suggested that the motte would have guarded a nearby quarry which would have supplied stone for the castles of Grosmont, Llancillo or Abergaveny (Phillips 2004).

Sources :
Phillips, N. , 2004 , Thesis: Earthwork Castles of Gwent and Ergyng AD 1050 - 1250

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

Related records
National Monuments Record NPRN 93456

Compiled date : 02-11-1988


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