Skenfrith Village Defences

Has been described as a Possible Urban Defence

There are cropmark/slight earthwork remains

NameSkenfrith Village Defences
Alternative Names
Historic CountryMonmouthshire
Modern AuthorityMonmouthshire
1974 AuthorityGwent
CommunityLlangattock Vibon Avel

The rectangular enclosure within which the village of Skenfrith lay was protected by a bank and ditch with the motte (SO 42 SE 11) standing in one corner. Enclosed village c. 1075. (Wiggins 2006) (Glamorgan-Gwent Archaeological Trust HER)

The monument comprises the remains of earthworks, platforms and building footings, representing a deserted village, of probable medieval date. The village was associated with the castle and village of Skenfrith. Excavations revealed early timber buildings built over by later stone buildings of 13th to 14th century date. The monument lies in two adjacent pasture fields, one on either side of the village street. (Scheduling Report)

Gatehouse Comments

Although the flood plain of the River Monnow is not large the village does sit in it. The steepness of the local hills and narrowness of the river valley means that when the river does flood it probably floods quickly and intensely. The bank and ditch may have more to do with managing this danger than any human violence although the bank and ditch may have given a sense of security.

- 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 ReferenceSO454203
Latitude51.8789405822754
Longitude-2.79173994064331
Eastings345400
Northings220300
HyperLink HyperLink HyperLink

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Books

  • Creighton, O.H. and Higham, R.A., 2005, Medieval Town Walls (Stroud: Tempus) p. 217, 273
  • Bond, C.J., 1987, 'Anglo-Saxon and Medieval Defences' in Schofield, J. and Leech, R. (eds), Urban Archaeology in Britain (CBA Research Report 61) p. 92-116 online copy
  • Soulsby, Ian, 1983, The Towns of Medieval Wales (Phillimore; Chichester) p. 240-1 (plan of medieval town, no mention of defences)
  • King, D.J.C., 1983, Castellarium Anglicanum (London: Kraus) Vol. 1 p. 291

Other

  • Wiggins, H., 2006, Prehistoric defended enclosures in Gwent