Little Newcastle

Has been described as a Possible Timber Castle (Motte), and also as a Possible Masonry Castle

There are no visible remains

NameLittle Newcastle
Alternative Names
Historic CountryPembrokeshire
Modern AuthorityPembrokeshire
1974 AuthorityDyfed
CommunityPuncheston

In the centre of the village adjoining the parish church is a mound which has been much tampered with. It is grass-grown, and its surface is somewhat irregular. The summit diameter varies from about 150 feet from east to west to about 100 feet from north to south. The height is about 10 feet. The ditch is obliterated. The dry summer of 1914 revealed signs of stone foundations beneath the soil. To the west of the mound are indications of the bailey, too faint to permit of further description. In close proximity to the work is a strong spring. This is doubtless the site of the New Castle, built in the 12th century by Adam de Rupe. (RCAHMW, 1925)

Gatehouse Comments

A low motte, by 1914 much mutilated, was bulldozed by a 'tidy minded' local authority in autumn 1965 (without archaeological investigation). May have had some stone buildings. The site now looks like a village green, an untypical form for a Pembrokeshire village.

- Philip Davis

Not scheduled

Not Listed

County Historic Environment Record
OS Map Grid ReferenceSM980289
Latitude51.9223403930664
Longitude-4.93878984451294
Eastings198010
Northings228950
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)
  • Davis, Paul, 2000, A Company of Forts. A Guide to the Medieval Castles of West Wales (Gomer Press) p. 34-5
  • 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. 399
  • RCAHMW, 1925, An inventory of the Ancient Monuments of Pembrokeshire (HMSO) p. 148 no. 399 online copy
  • 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
  • Talbot, 1966, Archaeology in Wales Vol. 6 p. 23