The Moat

Location

Located on the S side of an important later C12 motte and bailey castle, called Kerry Moat, the centre of the cwmwd of Ceri in Maelienydd. The Kerry moat is a Scheduled Ancient Monument (No. MG 050).

History

The house was formerly the vicarage, built 1810 for the Rev. John Jenkins, under the influence of John Nash. Jenkins (1770-1829), known as Ifor Ceri (Ifor Hael o Geri), was a noted musicologist and antiquary and was an important member of Iolo Morganwg's gorsedd in 1819, joint founder of the Cambrian Society, active in the Honourable Society of Cymmrodorion, and contributor to The Topographical Dictionary of Wales (1811). He kept open house here for artists and musicians during his incumbency (1807-1829). Items from his collection of traditional folk music were published in Ancient Welsh Music (1839), and elsewhere. He was also influential in the resurgence of national interest in eisteddfodau.

Exterior

Brickwork, partly pebbledashed, with brick quoins, and hipped slate roofs. The plan consists of a long 4-bay range, with a central rear extension, a cross wing with semi-circular front at the E end containing the main reception room, and a further cross wing, probably a later addition at the W.

Interior

Not accessible at time of inspection (January 1996)

Reason for designation

Included as a good and largely unaltered example of the Regency picturesque style of country villa such as was adopted by Nash after c1800, and of special interest for its association with Ifor Ceri.