Caerau Motte, Treflys

Has been described as a Certain Timber Castle (Motte)

There are cropmark/slight earthwork remains

NameCaerau Motte, Treflys
Alternative NamesTwdin; Treflis King
Historic CountryBrecknockshire
Modern AuthorityPowys
1974 AuthorityPowys
CommunityTreflys

A castle mound or motte set astride the south-western defences of Caerau Roman fort (NPRN 92153). The mound is 23m in diameter and 4.5m high and its level summit is 5.0-9.0m wide. An erstwhile duckpond on the north-east may have been a vestige of a moat. Such mottes are often found in isolation and would have reared up beside otherwise unfortified courts or manor houses. (Coflein–ref. John Wiles 25.04.07)

Gatehouse Comments

Not quite sure what the Coflein report means by 'such mottes are often found in isolation' although this seems to be a reference to the lack of a bailey. Certainly there do seem to be a number of isolated mottes in Wales and the marches with associated farmhouses where the function of the motte is normally suggested as a watch tower (regardless of the view actually obtainable) but which may well have symbolised the knightly status of the farms tenant.

- 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 ReferenceSN923501
Latitude52.1389694213867
Longitude-3.57507991790771
Eastings292300
Northings250130
HyperLink HyperLink HyperLink

No photos available. If you can provide pictures please contact Castlefacts

Most of the sites or buildings recorded in this web site are NOT open to the public and permission to visit a site must always be sought from the landowner or tenant.

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Books

  • Morgan, Gerald, 2008, Castles in Wales: A Handbook (Talybont: Y Lolfa Cyf.) p. 232 (listed)
  • Salter, Mike, 2001, The Castles of Mid Wales (Malvern) p. 16
  • Remfry, Paul, 1998, Castles of Breconshire (Logaston Press) p. 189 (plan)
  • King, D.J.C., 1983, Castellarium Anglicanum (London: Kraus) Vol. 1 p. 21
  • Lewis, Samual, 1849, A Topographical Dictionary of Wales online copy

Journals

  • 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
  • King, D.J.C., 1961, ‘The castles of Breconshire’ Brycheiniog Vol. 7 p. 93 no. 37 online copy