Castell Allt Craig-Arth

Cadw's description

Summary description and reason for designation

The following provides a general description of the Scheduled Ancient Monument.

The monument comprises the remains of a motte and bailey castle, a military stronghold built during the medieval period. A motte and bailey castle comprises a large conical or pyramidal mound of soil or stone (the motte) surrounded by, or adjacent to, one or more embanked enclosures (the bailey). Both may be surrounded by wet or dry ditches and could be further strengthened with palisades, revetments, and/or a tower on top of the motte. Castell Allt Craig-Arth is defended on three sides by steep slopes to streams and on the east by a double bank and ditch. The inner bank is c.6.5m above the ditch and c.3.5m above the interior. The motte appears to be partly natural. It is c.8m high and oval in shape, being c.11m across at its greatest diameter. There is a second mound to the west. The entrance through the two banks on the east side is straight, at the northern end. There are slight banks at the west end and there was possibly a second entrance there. The monument is situated within a wood.

The monument is of national importance for its potential to enhance our knowledge of medieval defensive organisation. The well-preserved monument forms an important element within the wider medieval context and the structure itself may be expected to contain archaeological information relating to chronology, building techniques and functional detail.

The scheduled area comprises the remains described and areas around them within which related evidence may be expected to survive.