Castell Pistog

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 ditch, dating to the medieval period (c. 1066 -1540 AD). A motte is a large conical or pyramidal mound of soil and/or stone, usually surrounded by either a wet or dry ditch, and surmounted by a tower constructed of timber or stone. Castell Pistog stands on the south slope of a minor stream valley. The motte measures c.33m in diameter and is c.7m high, surrounded by a well-preserved ditch c.4m wide, extending on its southern arc up to 2m deep below the level of the field beyond, although it runs out to almost nothing on the steeper slope to the north. The top of the motte is c.15m in diameter and is disturbed, with a large semi-circular chunk c.3m wide and c.2m deep having been quarried out of the west side. There are two outcroppings of worked stone on the northern and southern lip of the motte suggesting a former stone structure.

The monument is of national importance for its potential to enhance our knowledge of medieval defensive practices. The monument is well-preserved and an important relic of the medieval landscape. It retains significant archaeological potential, with a strong probability of the presence of both structural evidence and intact associated deposits.

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