Llanilid Castle
Has been described as a Certain Timber Castle (Ringwork)
There are earthwork remains
| Name | Llanilid Castle |
| Alternative Names | |
| Historic Country | Glamorgan |
| Modern Authority | Rhondda Cynon Taff |
| 1974 Authority | Mid Glamorgan |
| Community | Llanharan |
A well-preserved ringwork defined by a bank measuring internally 30m (E-W), slightly more N-S, counterscarp bank to W. The interior is 4m higher than external level (1.3m above N and S). Located on the highest point of a glacial hillock needing only scarping, levelling and the addition of the ring-bank. (Coflein)
Steeply scarped mound with a peripheral bank, a fragmentary ditch & counterscarp. There is no trace of an associated bailey, or any stonework. (Glamorgan-Gwent Archaeological Trust HER)
Llanilid Castle, two miles east of Pencoed, is a good example of a 'raised' ringwork. The surrounding ditch is crossed by an entrance causeway facing the old parish church. The Norman castle was probably raised by the St Quintin family, who held the manor until 1245. No stone walls ever replaced the wooden palisades, and the Siwards moved to a moated site nearby. (Pettifer, 2000)
The monument comprises the remains of a motte dating to the medieval period (c. 1066 -1540 AD). It follows the standard pattern of a steep-sided circular mound, with a ditch around it on all but the east side. A causeway across the ditch on the south side may indicate an entrance. The top of the mound is flat, and the bank around its rim 1-2m high. The bailey is though to lie to the south, possibly including the ground that the church and churchyard now stand on. The castle was in the Norman sublordship of Ruthin, the overlords of which, from the 12th century to 1245, were the Siwards of Llanblethian and Talyfan. At some time after 1245 it was probably replaced as an administrative centre by the moated site of Gadlys south of the church. (Scheduling Report)
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 Reference | SS977813 |
| Latitude | 51.521541595459 |
| Longitude | -3.47473001480103 |
| Eastings | 297770 |
| Northings | 181320 |
