Cof Cymru: National Historic Assets of Wales · Wales
Cymmer Castle
Llanelltyd, Gwynedd, Wales
A Grade II listed building in Cymmer Castle, Llanelltyd, Gwynedd, designated on 17 June 1966.
The record
- Designation
- Listed building, Grade II
- Broad class
- Defence
- Date of designation
- 17 June 1966
- Locality
- Cymmer Castle
- Community
- Llanelltyd
- Unitary authority
- Gwynedd
- Country
- Wales
- Coordinates
- 52.75854, -3.88082
- Cadw reference
- 4742
Slide toward Today to fade the historical sheet and see the modern map underneath.
David Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford LibrariesDavid Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford LibrariesDavid Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford LibrariesLlyfrgell Genedlaethol Cymru – The National Library of WalesDavid Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford Libraries
5 historical maps cover this location, the earliest the 1795 map "To Sir Watkin Williams-Wynn Bart ... the map of the six counties of North Wales is most humbly inscribed by his obedient humble servant" (Llyfrgell Genedlaethol Cymru – The National Library of Wales).
Historical maps covering this location
- 1795 · To Sir Watkin Williams-Wynn Bart ... the map of the six counties of North Wales is most… (Llyfrgell Genedlaethol Cymru – The National Library of Wales)
- 1883 · Watershed map England, Wales 3. (David Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford Libraries)
- 1896 · Sheet 7. Ordnance Survey of England and Wales. (David Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford Libraries)
- 1899 · 135 Harlech (Hills) (David Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford Libraries)
- 1901 · Sheet 9 and 10. (David Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford Libraries)
Cadw's description
Location
Situated on a hill 2.5 km N of Dolgellau with commanding views towards Cader Idris and the Mawddach estuary; accessed across fields from a metalled lane leading E from Llanelltyd bridge ultimately to Llanfachreth; on a small artificial motte.
History
The probable site of Cymer castle, which was built in 1116 by Uchdryd ap Edwin; this is the first recorded mention of a Welsh castle which has survived to the present day. The present building occupies a 4.5m high motte, the summit of which has a diameter of 13m. It is possible that it originated as a hunting lodge or observation platform for the later abbots of Cymer in whose former deer park it stands; apparently used in the C18 as a clandestine gaming house, it has long been ruinous.
Exterior
Rubble-built gabled tower block originally of one-and-a-half storeys over a raised basement; squat chimney to N gable with weather-coursing. The N and E sides stand almost to full height, the remainder being ruinous. The N and S gables originally had a single large window opening to the main floor; the E and W sides had 2 such windows, the upper contained within a gabled dormer. There is a small angled fireplace in the NE cornerand what may have been a stair access in the SE corner. Decayed oak lintels survive to some openings including 2 basement lights. There is evidence for both interior and exterior render.
Scheduled Ancient Monument ME 150.
Reason for designation
An imposing ruin on an important site, perhaps originally an early C16 lodge associated with Cymer abbey.
Nearby in the register
- Cymmer CastleMotteunder 1 mi
- Coed Pen-y-Bryn Defended SettlementEnclosure - Defensiveunder 1 mi
- Foel Faner Defended EnclosureEnclosure - Defensiveunder 1 mi
- Arch at Maes-y-Bryner IsafDomesticunder 1 mi
Other entries of the same register within about three miles of this one, by straight line.