BRYN CASTELL, SOMETIMES CASTELL MAELGWN

Site Details

NPRN
303128
Map Reference
SH77SE
Grid Reference
SH7852971906
Unitary (Local) Authority
Conwy
Old County
Caernarfonshire
Community
Caerhun
Type of Site
MOTTE
Broad Class
Defence
Period
Medieval

Site Description

NAR SH77SE14

A mound traditionally identified as the site of a medieval castle. It is situated close to the modern bridge of Pont Tal-y-cafn, which replaced a more ancient ferry.
This is an oval or near rectangular steep sided mound, about 30m across north-south and 4.0m high. It has a level summit some 15m across. The mound has been disturbed on the east, where a building is shown on the 1st edition OS County series (Caernarvon. IX.9 1888). There is apparently no trace of a ditch.
With the exception of the mighty Conwy, this is the only castle in Arllechwedd Isaf commote. It is possible that this was the site of a llys, a princely court, before the rise of Conwy.

Source: RCAHMW Caernarvonshire Inventory I (1956), 27 No. 114

John Wiles 13.07.07