Castell Poeth

Has been described as a Possible Timber Castle (Ringwork Motte)

There are earthwork remains

NameCastell Poeth
Alternative NamesCastell Boeth; Dan castell; Weirglodd castell; Llanwnda
Historic CountryPembrokeshire
Modern AuthorityPembrokeshire
1974 AuthorityDyfed
CommunityPencaer

Immediately north of Tref Asser cross roads is what appears to be a circular mound, 30 yards in diameter, slightly raised above the adjoining ground; it is surrounded by a moat 6 to 8 feet in depth, and 20 feet wide at the top, which at the western end is rilled with water. Owing to quarrying and other operations it is difficult to classify this work. It would seem to be a medieval mound without a bailey court. According to Lewis (Top. Dict., 1833), where it is mentioned as a "tumulus surrounded by a moat," it was " opened some years since and found to contain fragments of urns, and other indications of its having been a place of sepulture." Against this theory must be placed the name "Castell," "Dancastell," a cottage adjacent to the moat, and "Weirglodd castell" (Tithe Schedule, Nos. 215-16), two fields immediately north of the mound. (RCAHMW)

The Ordnance Survey note that this feature is classified as a castle mound without a bailey. However, the OS description also notes that others have interpreted the site as a small hillslope enclosure. The OS conclude that the feature is a castle mound with a spread bailey that is just visible on 1946 RAF air photographs. In contrast with this are the scheduling description, which records the feature as a small circular Iron Age enclosure with a single bank and ditch. The Royal Commission description of the feature notes that Lewis (1833) called it a tumulus in which fragments of urns had once been found. If this feature ever had a bailey it is not visible on the Meridian air photograph (Dyfed Archaeological Trust HER record)

The monument comprises the remains of an earthwork/stone-built enclosure. The date or precise nature of the enclosure is unknown, but it is likely to be later prehistoric or medieval. It is a small circular earthwork about 30 yards in diameter

The flat central area is surrounded by a single bank and ditch, with the former rising 2 ft from the interior and dropping 8 ft to the bottom of the ditch which is 6 ft below the surrounding land. The south part of the ditch is wet and the east side has been slightly disturbed. (Scheduling Report)

Gatehouse Comments

In Hogg and King's 1963 early castle list but moved in to their 'possible' list (meaning doubtful) in 1970. Near to coast, which whilst generally rocky, does have some small landing places meaning pirate raids in this area possible at any age. Does seem to be a barrow in origin but medieval use as a defended farmstead holding of a minor knight can not be excluded.

- 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 ReferenceSM897377
Latitude51.9977989196777
Longitude-5.06477022171021
Eastings189700
Northings237700
HyperLink HyperLink HyperLink

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Books

  • Morgan, Gerald, 2008, Castles in Wales: A Handbook (Talybont: Y Lolfa Cyf.) p. 257 (listed as possible)
  • Hull, Lise, 2005, Castles and Bishops Palaces of Pembrokeshire (Logaston Press) p. 72
  • Davis, Paul, 2000, A Company of Forts. A Guide to the Medieval Castles of West Wales (Gomer Press) p. 30
  • Reid, Alan, 1998, Castles of Wales (John Jones Publishing) p. 55
  • Salter, Mike, 1996, The Castles of South West Wales (Malvern) p. 86 (slight)
  • King, D.J.C., 1983, Castellarium Anglicanum (London: Kraus) Vol. 2 p. 399
  • RCAHMW, 1925, An inventory of the Ancient Monuments of Pembrokeshire (HMSO) p. 189 no. 557 online copy
  • Laws, E. and Owen, H., 1908, Archaeological Survey of Pembrokeshire 1896-1907 (Tenby)
  • Lewis, Sameul, 1849 (4edn), Topograghical Dictonary of Wales p. 157 online copy

Journals

  • Hogg, A.H.A. and King, D.J.C., 1970, 'Castles in Wales and the Marches (Additions and corrections to lists published in 1963 and 1967)' Archaeologia Cambrensis Vol. 119 p. 119-124 (possible)
  • 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