Alexanderstone Motte, Llanddew

Has been described as a Certain Timber Castle (Motte)

There are earthwork remains

NameAlexanderstone Motte, Llanddew
Alternative NamesMara Mota
Historic CountryBrecknockshire
Modern AuthorityPowys
1974 AuthorityPowys
CommunityLlanddew

A compact motte and bailey, 46m by 38m overall, having a sub-oval motte, 23m by 18m, 4.2m high. Raised rim on east part of motte top. 0.8m ditch survives on east side. Remains of semi-circular bailey with 1.5m high scarp lies to north-west, possibly another bailey. (Derived from Coflein and Clwyd Powys Archaeological Trust HER)

The monument comprises the remains of a motte and bailey castle, a military stronghold built during the medieval period. A motte and bailey castle comprises a large conical or pyramidal mound of soil or stone (the motte) surrounded by, or adjacent to, one or more embanked enclosures (the bailey). Both may be surrounded by wet or dry ditches and could be further strengthened with palisades, revetments, and/or a tower on top of the motte. The motte is sub-oval in plan, measuring 23m NE/SW by 18m NW/SE and is up to 4m high. The summit is flat, 7m in diameter with a raised lip on the E side. A shallow ditch, 0.7m deep, survives on the E side of the motte. The bailey comprises an area of flat ground on the N side of the motte, defined on its N edge by a curving scarp. (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 ReferenceSO072300
Latitude51.9611511230469
Longitude-3.35108995437622
Eastings307290
Northings230070
HyperLink HyperLink HyperLink

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Books

  • Morgan, Gerald, 2008, Castles in Wales: A Handbook (Talybont: Y Lolfa Cyf.) p. 231 (listed)
  • Salter, Mike, 2001, The Castles of Mid Wales (Malvern) p. 11
  • Pettifer, Adrian, 2000, Welsh Castles, A Guide by Counties (Boydell Press) p. 18
  • Remfry, Paul, 1998, Castles of Breconshire (Logaston Press) p. 102
  • King, D.J.C., 1983, Castellarium Anglicanum (London: Kraus) Vol. 1 p. 19

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. 88 no. 24 online copy
  • Davies, J.Lane, 1873, 'Notes on the Parish and church of Llanddew, Brecknockshire' Archaeologia Cambrensis Vol. 28 p. 279 online copy [online copy > http://www.freewebs.com/llanddew/thenameahistory.htm]