ST ILLTYD'S CASTLE MOUND, OR TWYN MOTTE

Site Details

NPRN
306241
Map Reference
SO20SW
Grid Reference
SO2172601919
Unitary (Local) Authority
Blaenau Gwent
Old County
Monmouthshire
Community
Llanhilleth
Type of Site
MOTTE
Broad Class
Defence
Period
MEDIEVAL

Site Description

NAR SO20SW4

A castle mount standing on the south-west side of St Iltyd's church (NPRN 12897). This may be the 'Castell Hithell' destroyed in 1233.
This is a roughly circular steep-sided flat-topped mound, about 36m in diameter and 4.0m high. The 16-17m diameter summit has been rather multilated. A ditch runs around the base of the mound, with a causway on the southern side.
An elaborate and ornate masonry castle of two great towers has been excavated to the north of the churchyard (NPRN 91965). This is dated to the fourteenth century and presumably replaced the castle of the mount.

John Wiles 03.08.07