Retaining wall and two wells to SW of The Old Vicarage

Cadw's description

Location

On the SW side of the garden of The Old Vicarage just NW of the crossroads in the centre of the village.

History

Retaining wall probably base of outer wall of Llanddew Castle, incorporating two medieval covered wells one within castle enclosure, the other facing out. The round projection beyond the well may be a bastion, but is roughly built and not bonded to retaining wall. There is said to have been another tower at the left end.

Exterior

Retaining wall, rubble stone much repaired towards right end, in poor condition to left. Some 40m of much repaired wall from right to broad segmental-arched medieval opening to deep well-recess with rectangular pool. Wall continues to left behind village pump and lean-to shed to low remains of a semicircular projection, possibly a bastion, and continues as eroded retaining wall some 30m to field gate at left end.
On inside, behind external well is another well-chamber, at right angles to back of wall, reached by stone steps down. Well has stone barrel vault, the front part missing, over square stone pool.

Reason for designation

Included as medieval enclosing wall to former bishops' house at Llanddew, incorporating two fine medieval wells. Scheduled Ancient Monument Br 057 (POW).