Castell Cadwgan, Aberaeron

Has been described as a Possible Timber Castle (Ringwork)

There are no visible remains

NameCastell Cadwgan, Aberaeron
Alternative NamesAberatron
Historic CountryCardiganshire
Modern AuthorityCeredigion
1974 AuthorityDyfed
CommunityAberaeron

Meyrick in his History of Cardiganshire states that Castell Cadwgan, an ancient fortification, was erected in 1148. Very little is known regarding this fortification, who built it, and for what purpose. It was situated on the seashore to the north of Aberaeron the last remnants were washed away by the sea early in the last century. Incidentally, a traveller passing this way in 1803 mentioned that fragments of the castle were still visible. (Jones, 1970)

On the sea-shore, near the village, is a circular encampment, designated Castell Cadwgan, and supposed to have been constructed by Cadwgan ab Bleddyn, about 1148. (Lewis)

The site appears to have been a ring-work. A segment of the enclosure bank is marked on the 1st edition 25" map, most of the site having been eroded. There is further erosion on the 2nd edition 25" although part of the enclosure bank is still shown as it is on the 1964 6". The area of the enclosure bank corresponds now to a widening of a sea defence bank. It was considered whether this widening incorporated part of the original enclosure bank. This does not seem to be the case, the bank is modern (the area of the enclosure bank can be related very precisely to the present sea-defences via a u-shaped breakwater, part of PRN 30770, shown on the early 25" map and which still survives. The outer edge of the sea defence bank is now 10m landward of this breakwater, and does correspond to the protection of the enclosure bank). (Dyfed Archaeological Trust HER Record)

Not scheduled

Not Listed

County Historic Environment Record
OS Map Grid ReferenceSN459634
Latitude52.2473602294922
Longitude-4.25881004333496
Eastings245980
Northings263400
HyperLink HyperLink HyperLink

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Books

  • Morgan, Gerald, 2008, Castles in Wales: A Handbook (Talybont: Y Lolfa Cyf.) p. 252 (listed as possible)
  • Davis, Paul, 2000, A Company of Forts. A Guide to the Medieval Castles of West Wales (Gomer Press) p. 25
  • Salter, Mike, 1996, The Castles of South West Wales (Malvern) p. 46 (slight)
  • King, D.J.C., 1983, Castellarium Anglicanum (London: Kraus) Vol. 1 p. 48
  • Meyrick, Samuel Rush, 1907, The History and Antiquities of the County of Cardigan (Brecon) p. 261
  • Lewis, Samual, 1849, A Topographical Dictionary of Wales online copy [online copy > http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.asp?compid=47845#s20]

Journals

  • Jones, G.M., 1970, 'Notes on Aberaeron' Ceredigion Vol. 6.3 p. 285 online copy
  • King, D.J.C., 1956, 'The Castles of Cardiganshire' Ceredigion Vol. 3 p. 68 no. I (vanished) online copy
  • Jones, G., 1950, 'Aberaeron landmarks' Ceredigion Vol. 1.1 p. 55-6 online copy