TIR-Y-DAIL MOTTE AND BAILEY, AMMANFORD, RHYDAMAN

Site Details

NPRN
300846
Map Reference
SN61SW
Grid Reference
SN6241712476
Unitary (Local) Authority
Carmarthenshire
Old County
Carmarthenshire
Community
Ammanford
Type of Site
MOTTE
Broad Class
Defence
Period
Medieval

Site Description

A roughly circular tree-grown castle mound measuring 35m in diameter and and about 6m high. The top of the mound, diameter 20m, is marked by a wide circular depression 2.5m deep. Traces of the bailey survive on the east where it was defended by a ditch and an outer bank.
There is some dispute about whether this motte represents a Welsh or a Norman castle. Historical opinion, including Dr Roger Turvey, favours a Welsh origin with the castle being built to mark and defend the southern approach to Cantref Bychan from Norman-controlled lands of Gwyr (Gower) and Cydweli (Kidwelly) to the south.

T. Driver, RCAHMW.