Fforest Castle

Has been described as a Possible Timber Castle (Ringwork)

There are earthwork remains

NameFforest Castle
Alternative NamesLlanlleonfel; Dol-Aeron; Fforest Twdin; Caer Aeron
Historic CountryBrecknockshire
Modern AuthorityPowys
1974 AuthorityPowys
CommunityTreflys

A sub-rectangular enclosure, c.8.0m by 4.0m internally, defined by a bank, 3.0-3.5m across, a 3.0m wide rock-cut ditch and a further bank, 7.0-9.0m wide. There is a causewayed entrance to the NW. The name 'Fforest Castle' may indicate the monument's original function. (Coflein)

The monument comprises the remains of a motte and ditch, dating to the medieval period (c. 1066 -1540 AD). The motte is roughly oval, measuring 30m by 26m and 3m-5m high, surrounded by a rock cut ditch 3m wide. The top of the motte has a deep depression in it. An outer bank, 9m wide and 1.3m wide encircles the ditch and there is a causewayed entrance on the NW side. (Scheduling Report)

Gatehouse Comments

Pettifer identifies this as a ditched enclosure of a later medieval stronghold, Remfry as possible early Welsh castle. Was this built as a hunting lodge and administrative centre at a relatively late date or was an earlier castle adapted for this. The location on the hill may suggest a later date since the strategic military location would be nearer the point where the Roman road crosses the Afon Cammarch although this may be a matter of debate.

- Philip Davis

This site is a scheduled monument protected by law

Not Listed

The National Monument Record (Coflein) number(s)
County Historic Environment Record
OS Map Grid ReferenceSN919520
Latitude52.1558685302734
Longitude-3.58094000816345
Eastings291950
Northings252020
HyperLink HyperLink HyperLink

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Books

  • Morgan, Gerald, 2008, Castles in Wales: A Handbook (Talybont: Y Lolfa Cyf.) p. 232 (listed)
  • Salter, Mike, 2001, The Castles of Mid Wales (Malvern) p. 25
  • Pettifer, Adrian, 2000, Welsh Castles, A Guide by Counties (Boydell Press) p. 18
  • Remfry, Paul, 1998, Castles of Breconshire (Logaston Press) p. 191
  • King, D.J.C., 1983, Castellarium Anglicanum (London: Kraus) Vol. 1 p. 19
  • Clark, G.T., 1884, Mediaeval Military Architecture in England  (Wyman and Sons) Vol. 1 p. 31

Journals

  • King, D.J.C. and Alcock, L., 1969, 'Ringworks in England and Wales' Château Gaillard Vol. 3 p. 90-127
  • Hogg, A.H.A. and King, D.J.C., 1963, 'Early castles in Wales and the Marches: a preliminary list' Archaeologia Cambrensis Vol. 112 p. 77-124
  • King, D.J.C., 1961, ‘The castles of Breconshire’ Brycheiniog Vol. 7 p. 90 no. 29 online copy