Cwrt Llechryd moated site

Cadw's description

Summary description and reason for designation

The following provides a general description of the Scheduled Monument.

The monument comprises the well-preserved remains of a moated site of probable early medieval date, situated on low-lying ground on the E bank of the River Wye. The remains, which have been cut by the line of an old railway, comprise a large oval mound c.7m high, which may be natural in origin, with a summit measuring c.110m by c.86m, much of which is occupied by the present farm. Around the mound runs a marshy moat, defined on its outer side by a sub-rectangular embanked enclosure which stands up to c.1.5m high, its sides varying between c.150m and c.200m in length. Outside this are a further ditch and a slight counterscarp, though the preservation of these varies around the site, being best on the north and west. Archaeological investigations have recovered evidence to suggest that the site was built between AD 750 and AD 1040.

The monument is of national importance for its potential to enhance our knowledge of early medieval defensive organisation. The monument forms an important element within the wider medieval context and the structure itself may be expected to contain archaeological information in regard to chronology, building techniques and functional detail.

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