Cof Cymru: National Historic Assets of Wales · Wales
Mathrafal Castle
Llangyniew, Powys, Wales
The record
- Designation
- Scheduled monument
- Site type
- Castle
- Period
- Medieval
- Community
- Llangyniew
- Unitary authority
- Powys
- Country
- Wales
- Coordinates (centre of the scheduled area)
- 52.68782, -3.28621
- SAM number
- MG044
- Cadw record number
- 2622
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
Shown on 5 historical map sheets, the earliest the 1795 "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).
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. Mathrafal consists of an impressive series of rectangular defences set around the motte, with further protection afforded by the River Banwy to the east . Excavations suggest these rectangular defences were the result of 13th century refashioning and enlargement of earlier curving defences.
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.
Nearby in the register
- Bryn y Saethau HillfortHillfortunder 1 mi
- Tan-y-ffriddAgriculture and Subsistenceunder 1 mi
- Ty-mawr FarmhouseAgriculture and Subsistenceunder 1 mi
- Tanhouse BridgeTransportunder 1 mi
Other entries of the same register within about three miles of this one, by straight line.