Llys Dinorwig

Cadw's description

Summary description and reason for designation

The following provides a general description of the Scheduled Monument.

Llys Dinorwig is a defended settlement of the medieval or perhaps early medieval period and comprises two parts: the foundations of at least one rectangular building within an enclosure defined on the west, south and east sides by a fortified scarp and ditch, with a slight bank on the counterscarp, formed at the foot of the slope. To the north of the enclosure is a single length of wall, 13.7m long, 1m wide and 5.2m high, representing a further building of possible medieval date.

The site was known to the antiquarians Pennant (Thomas Pennant 1726-1798) and Fenton (Richard Fenton 1747-1821) and the reference by Leland (1503-1552) to Sir Gruffydd Llwyd as the 'Lord of fair Dinorwig' in the early 14th century is significant. The possibility of earlier origin adds further to its interest.

The monument is of national importance for its potential to enhance our knowledge of medieval settlement and llys sites, it is a rare example of a mid- to high-ranking secular settlement. It retains significant archaeological potential, with a strong probability of the presence of associated archaeological features and deposits. The structures themselves 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.