Norton Camp, Oxwich

Has been described as a Possible Timber Castle (Ringwork)

There are earthwork remains

NameNorton Camp, Oxwich
Alternative Names
Historic CountryGlamorgan
Modern AuthoritySwansea
1974 AuthorityWest Glamorgan
CommunityPenrice

Partial ringwork fortifying a spur with natural defences to N, NE and SE; no surving ditch; clearly marked house platform in interior (RCAHMW 1992, 120-1, CR16). (Glamorgan-Gwent Archaeological Trust HER)

Norton Camp. The earthwork is little changed since 1970 when it was planned by OS. Its location on a promontory seems diagnostic though it is not included as an Iron Age hillfort site in the Inventory. A possible platform on the N side of the interior has been taken to imply a homestead function for the site and therefore a possible medieval date. (Glamorgan, vol III, Part .ii). (Coflein)

The monument comprises the remains of a well preserved castle-ringwork, which dates to the medieval period (c. AD 1066 - 1485). Norton Camp occupies a small peninsula site. The main defences, a single bank and ditch, are constructed across the neck of the peninsula. The rampart curves inward to control the entrance - along the scarp on the steep north-east side, there are subsidiary works, facing outwards, at the tip of the spur. A levelled house site, probably of later date, lies just within the entrance. (Scheduling Report)

Gatehouse Comments

If medieval or had medieval use then possibly a precursor to Oxwich castle.

- 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 ReferenceSS491867
Latitude51.5595893859863
Longitude-4.17750978469849
Eastings249100
Northings186700
HyperLink HyperLink HyperLink

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Books

  • Morgan, Gerald, 2008, Castles in Wales: A Handbook (Talybont: Y Lolfa Cyf.) p. 254 (listed as ?IA)
  • < >RCAHMW, 1991, An Inventory of the Ancient Monuments in Glamorgan Vol. 3 Part 1a: The Early Castles (London: HMSO) < > CR16 p. 120-1
  • King, D.J.C., 1983, Castellarium Anglicanum (London: Kraus) Vol. 1 p. 167
  • Hague, D.B., 1971, in Pugh, T.B. (ed), Glamorgan County History Vol. 3 The Middle Ages (Cardiff) p. 444

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 (possible)