Parc Castell, Scleddau

Has been described as a Possible Timber Castle (Ringwork), and also as a Possible Palace (Other)

There are earthwork remains

NameParc Castell, Scleddau
Alternative NamesCastell Fartin; Maenorowen; Castlemartin; Manorowen
Historic CountryPembrokeshire
Modern AuthorityPembrokeshire
1974 AuthorityDyfed
CommunityScleddau

A roughly "D" shaped enclosure defined by a ditch and counterscarp to the N and scarps elsewhere, those to the E resting on steep natural slopes. The small size of the interior, c.20m by 15m, has suggested an interpretation of the monument as a medieval castle, however it is possible that this is an IA enclosure. (Coflein)

Gatehouse Comments

RCAHMW, which records this as a motte without bailey, suggest this was 'the llys or caput of the Welsh maenor and Norman manor' of Maenorowen. The parish church is about 700m away but in Wales association between maenor and church is not always as close as Saxon England. In Wales the break between Iron Age/Roman and medieval is not as stark as in England and this site may show a continuity of use with the ditches being periodically redug.

- Philip Davis

Not scheduled

Not Listed

The National Monument Record (Coflein) number(s)
County Historic Environment Record
OS Map Grid ReferenceSM941367
Latitude51.9908714294434
Longitude-4.99883985519409
Eastings194190
Northings236730
HyperLink HyperLink HyperLink

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Books

  • Morgan, Gerald, 2008, Castles in Wales: A Handbook (Talybont: Y Lolfa Cyf.) p. 248, 257 (listed twice)
  • Hull, Lise, 2005, Castles and Bishops Palaces of Pembrokeshire (Logaston Press) p. 69
  • Davis, Paul, 2000, A Company of Forts. A Guide to the Medieval Castles of West Wales (Gomer Press) p. 37
  • Salter, Mike, 1996, The Castles of South West Wales (Malvern) p. 87 (slight)
  • Miles, Dillwyn, 1979 (Revised 1988), Castles of Pembrokeshire (Pembrokeshire Coast National Park) p. 5-7
  • King, D.J.C., 1983, Castellarium Anglicanum (London: Kraus) Vol. 2 p. 394
  • RCAHMW, 1925, An inventory of the Ancient Monuments of Pembrokeshire (HMSO) p. 209 no. 643 online copy

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