Cefn Llech Enclosure

Has been described as a Possible Timber Castle (Ringwork)

There are earthwork remains

NameCefn Llech Enclosure
Alternative NamesCwm y Saeson; Dulas
Historic CountryRadnorshire
Modern AuthorityPowys
1974 AuthorityPowys
CommunitySt Harmon

A kidney-shaped embanked enclosure, 18m by 12m, that appears to have been partly scarped from a natural mound on low ground between two streams. The defences are stronger to the S and the entrance is to the W. A medieval date has been suggested, but an IA date is a possibility. (Coflein as unknown defended enclosure)

Reniform enclosure some 18m by 1m overall bounded by bank 5m to 7m wide. Outer ditch and counterscarp on south. Original entrance (about 1.5m wide) on west side. Interior 0.7m higher than surrounding ground level. Sited between two streams. Origin and purpose unclear. Possibly related to linear earthwork feature (PRN 69455) situated on what is now the opposite (north) side of the Afon Dulas. There are many channels and terraces around the river resulting from its changing course, one channel going around the south and east of the enclosure. Presuming the river could have flowed along this course when the enclosure was constructed, the linear earthwork would then have been on the same side as the enclosure. (Clwyd Powys Archaeological Trust HER as medieval enclosure)

Gatehouse Comments

Remfry suggest this is a ringwork with wet defences, a possible site of the Castle in Gwerthrynion mentioned in contemporary documents. At the foot of a pass in a position to control passage.

- Philip Davis

Not scheduled

Not Listed

The National Monument Record (Coflein) number(s)
County Historic Environment Record
OS Map Grid ReferenceSN960770
Latitude52.3811492919922
Longitude-3.52863001823425
Eastings296050
Northings277000
HyperLink HyperLink HyperLink

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Books

  • Remfry, P., 2008, The Castles and History of Radnorshire (SCS Publishing)
  • Morgan, Gerald, 2008, Castles in Wales: A Handbook (Talybont: Y Lolfa Cyf.) p. 258 (listed as possible)
  • Salter, Mike, 2001, The Castles of Mid Wales (Malvern) p. 61
  • Remfry, P., 1996, Castles of Radnorshire (Logaston Press) p. 124