The Glamorgan-Gwent Archaeological Trust
Historic Environment Record
 

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Twyn-y-gregen

Primary Reference Number (PRN) : 01834g
Trust : Glamorgan Gwent
Community : Llanarth
Unitary authority : Monmouthshire
NGR : SO36270967
Site Type (preferred type first) : Medieval Motte
Status : Scheduled Monument

Summary :
Overgrown medieval motte utilising defensive natural features.

Description :
Phillips notes that key features of the overgrown motte at Llanarth (5.6m in height), which has been badly damaged by quarrying and a later road construction, include its irregularly shaped area of 237.379m² and its potential to accommodate a number of buildings rather than a singular tower. It is located on top of a glacial deposit formed alongside a stream which formed a mound with a steep scarp, and utilises natural defences surrounded by fertile farmland. Phillips interprets the site as a motte most likely constructed for the purpose of land tenure and agricultural holdings; without a formidable defensive ditch it is thought that the castle was constructed during a time of relative peace (Phillips 2004).

Excavated in 1936 by O'Neill and Foster Smith and 13thcentury postsherds recovered. 20m diameter motte covered with trees and scrub with scarped sides circa 5m high. Faint traces of outer ditch 5m wide and .3m deep. (Plunkett Dillon1990)

Sources :
Phillips, N. , 2004 , Thesis: Earthwork Castles of Gwent and Ergyng AD 1050 - 1250
Plunkett Dillon E , 1990 , The National Trust Archaeological Survey Clytha South Wales
St.J. O'Neil B.H and Foster Smith A.H , 1936 , Excavations at Twyn Y Gregen, Llanarth, Monmouthshire. , Archeologia Cambrensis : 91 : 247-258
01/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)
E005863 : Clytha, South Wales, National Trust Properties (year : 1990)
E008450 : Sant Fraedd House, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire (year : 2021)

Related records
01835g

Compiled date : 02-12-1988


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