Castell Cae-Maerdy Castle Mound

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, probably 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. This example is sited in a prominent location with good views to the west but is unusually small, measuring only c.3.8m high and c.25m in diameter, with little obvious trace of a ditch. On the summit is a spread of large stones which may have been part of a structure. The mound is too steep-sided and generally too large to be a burial mound, and it does not have that appearance. It may have been used, or even built, in the 18th century as a viewing platform and/or gazebo mound, sited here for spectacular views, and associated with Cefndyrys House nearby.

The monument is of national importance for its potential to enhance our knowledge of medieval defensive practices and later landscape use. The monument is well-preserved and an important relic of the former 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.