PEN UCHA'R LLAN, CASTLE EARTHWORKS

Site Details

NPRN
303428
Map Reference
SH93NW
Grid Reference
SH9382536840
Unitary (Local) Authority
Gwynedd
Old County
Merioneth
Community
Llandderfel
Type of Site
RINGWORK
Broad Class
Defence
Period
Medieval

Site Description

NAR SH93NW1

An oval earthwork enclosure generally identified as a medieval castle. It is defined by a massive rampart, up to 5.2m high, with traces of an external ditch. The area enclosed is only about 26m north-south by 18m. The whole area may have been raised or else a natural knoll was utilised.
The enclosure has been mutilated on the south.
This is the only castle site known within Penllyn Istreweryn commote. The customs and tolls of the market and fair of Llanfor (?Llanfawr) were transfered to the new foundation of Bala in 1310-11.

Source: History of Merioneth II (2001), 413

John Wiles 04.07.07