Cof Cymru: National Historic Assets of Wales · Wales
Tomen y Castell
Dolwyddelan, Conwy, Wales
A scheduled monument in Dolwyddelan, Conwy, recorded as Motte (Medieval).
The record
- Designation
- Scheduled monument
- Site type
- Motte
- Period
- Medieval
- Date of designation
- 22 August 1988
- Community
- Dolwyddelan
- Unitary authority
- Conwy
- Country
- Wales
- Coordinates (centre of the scheduled area)
- 53.05146, -3.90402
- SAM number
- CN196
- Cadw record number
- 3410
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 · 119 Snowdon (Hills) (David Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford Libraries)
- 1901 · Sheet 9 and 10. (David Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford Libraries)
Cadw's description
Summary description and reason for designation
The following provides a general description of the Scheduled Monument.
The monument comprises the remains of a medieval castle, with important historical associations as a possible predecessor to nearby Dolwyddelan Castle. It is sited on a prominent natural rock outcrop, naturally defended on the N, S and E by a very steep rocky precipice. On the W the slope is slightly more gradual, but still very steep.
The natural defences are complemented on the W and NW by a ditch, now very silted but clearly recognisable, especially on the W. The top of the mound is somewhat uneven and on the summit are traces of a rectangular structure, perhaps 6m x 6-7m, probably the base of a tower. The foundations are most clearly seen on the E side.
The monument is of national importance for its potential to enhance our knowledge of medieval settlement and defence. It retains significant archaeological potential, with a strong probability of the presence of associated archaeological features and deposits. The structure itself may be expected to contain archaeological information concerning chronology and building techniques.
The scheduled area comprises the remains described and areas around them within which related evidence may be expected to survive.
Nearby in the register
- Nos 1 and 2 Tan-y-CastellDomesticunder 1 mi
- Tan-y-Castell MonumentCommemorativeunder 1 mi
- Dolwyddelan CastleDefenceunder 1 mi
- Castell DolwyddelanCastleunder 1 mi
Other entries of the same register within about three miles of this one, by straight line.