Castell Nonni, Llanllwni

Has been described as a Certain Timber Castle (Motte)

There are earthwork remains

NameCastell Nonni, Llanllwni
Alternative NamesCastell Psysg; Castell Y
Historic CountryCarmarthenshire
Modern AuthorityCarmarthenshire
1974 AuthorityDyfed
CommunityLlanllwni

A steep-sided circular mound, set on the tip of a gentle spur on generalloy north-west facing hillslopes, thought to represent a medieval castle motte; the mound is about 28m in diameter & rising 3.4m to 4.0m to a level summit some 16m across; there are traces of a ditch about the south-eastern part of the mound, but no indications of any further works. (Coflein)

Castell Nonni motte still standing to a height of about 4.0 metres, The ditch can still be seen on the eastern side of the motte although only 0.5m deep.

There are trees planted on top of the motte protecting it from erosion. There seems to be a slight rise to the east of the motte, perhaps where the bailey once stood. (Dyfed Archaeological Trust HER)

The monument comprises the remains of a motte and bailey castle, a military stronghold built during the medieval period. The motte consists of a large conical mound of soil or stone, it measures c 28m in diameter and is about 5m high and 12m in diameter at the top. On the south east side part of a ditch that may have originally surrounded the motte is visible this and measures c 0.5m deep. East of the motte a low rise may represent the remains of the embanked enclosure of a bailey. Both motte and bailey might originally have been further strengthened with palisades, revetments, and/or a tower on top of the motte. (Scheduling Report)

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 ReferenceSN494398
Latitude52.03662109375
Longitude-4.19575977325439
Eastings249480
Northings239860
HyperLink HyperLink HyperLink
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Books

  • Morgan, Gerald, 2008, Castles in Wales: A Handbook (Talybont: Y Lolfa Cyf.) p. 235 (listed)
  • Davis, Paul, 2000, A Company of Forts. A Guide to the Medieval Castles of West Wales (Gomer Press) p. 30
  • 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. 58
  • RCAHMW, 1917, An inventory of the Ancient Monuments of Carmarthenshire (HMSO) p. 175 no. 524 online copy
  • Lewis, Samual, 1849, A Topographical Dictionary of Wales online copy

Journals

  • 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