Castell Cwmere, Llanfihangel Ystrad

Has been described as a Possible Timber Castle (Ringwork)

There are earthwork remains

NameCastell Cwmere, Llanfihangel Ystrad
Alternative NamesTemple Bar
Historic CountryCardiganshire
Modern AuthorityCeredigion
1974 AuthorityDyfed
CommunityLlanfihangel Ystrad

Castell Cwmere, Temple Bar, is a D-shaped enclosure, about 70m north-east to south-west by 50m, occupying the north-eastern end of a ridge above the confluence of two streams; a crescentic sweep of rampart and ditch faces along the ridge to the south-west, having an entrance gap at its eastern end, the enclosure being defined elsewhere by steep natural scarps. (Coflein)

The monument comprises the remains of a defended enclosure, which probably dates to the Iron Age period (c. 800 BC - AD 74, the Roman conquest of Wales). Inland promontory forts are usually located on a ridge or spur with steep slopes on 2 or 3 sides, and artificial ramparts on the level approaches. They may have been constructed on a promontory above the confluence of two rivers, or in the bend of a meander. Castell Cwmere is situated on a long tongue of land between two streams. The neck is cut off by a curving bank and ditch on the south, and there is a slight trace of a counterscarp bank. The bank stands c.3m above the interior and c.4.5m above the bottom of the ditch, which rises c.2m to the crest of the counterscarp, which itself stands c.0.4m above the surrounding field. A gap in the defences on the south-east is probably the position of the entrance. (Scheduling Report)

Gatehouse Comments

Headland defended by rampart and ditch may be partial ringwork or Iron Age site.

- 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 ReferenceSN533544
Latitude52.1687812805176
Longitude-4.14632987976074
Eastings253300
Northings254420
HyperLink HyperLink HyperLink

No photos available. If you can provide pictures please contact Castlefacts

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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. 41, 44
  • Salter, Mike, 1996, The Castles of South West Wales (Malvern) p. 47 (slight)
  • King, D.J.C., 1983, Castellarium Anglicanum (London: Kraus) Vol. 1 p. 49

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., 1956, 'The Castles of Cardiganshire' Ceredigion Vol. 3 p. 67 no. 32 (possible) online copy