The Glamorgan-Gwent Archaeological Trust
Historic Environment Record
 

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Ruperra Motte / Castll Breiniol / Castell Y Ddraenen

Primary Reference Number (PRN) : 00726m
Trust : Glamorgan Gwent
Community : Rudry
Unitary authority : Caerphilly
NGR : ST22338670
Site Type (preferred type first) : Medieval Motte
Status : Scheduled Monument

Summary :
A Norman motte, standing within the ringwork of a hillfort in Coed Craig Ruperra, near the later Ruperra Castle. This impressive feature was landscaped during the18th century and a summer house built on top. The site is a Scheduled Ancient Monument.

Description :
An impressive Norman motte standing within the ringwork of a hillfort in Coed Craig Ruperra, near the later Ruperra Castle. The hillfort is set alon the top of a long ridge, with a steep scarp to the south, and multivallate defences on the north slope and at either end. The motte is at the highest point of the ridge and stands 6m high and 12m in diamter at the top. A large ditch and bank surround the motte, broken through by a track running the length of the ridge. A dry-stone revetted ramp curves ip the west side of the motte, and the top is perfectly level with a low parapet wall around it. These features relate to a re-use of the motte as the site of a 2-storey summerhouse for Ruperra Castle in the 18th century. Some cobbled paving and building foundations are visible. Scheduled as a multi-period defensive site, with well preserved remains of a hillfort, motte and 18th century garden features.

Sources :
Cadw , Application for Scheduled Monument Consent
02/PH Desc Text//Clarke GT/1875/Archaeol Cambrensis/Vol6
03/PM Desc Text/CBA/Spurgeon CJ & Thomas HJ/1980/Archaeol in Wales/
01/MM Record Card/OS//1957/ST 28 NW 15/;
04/MM Record Card/OS//1981/ST 28 NW 15/
01/pm desc text/RCAHM//Invent III 1b/MO4
No20 p26-7;
07/Desc Text/Cadw/Application for Scheduled Monument Consent/2007 Copy in further information file
Desc Text/Cadw/Full Management Report/2007/Copy in further information file.

Events :

Related records
GGAT Historic Environment Record (HER) 720m
GGAT Historic Environment Record (HER) 1672m
GGAT Historic Environment Record (HER) 2451m

Compiled date : 01-12-1982


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