Cwrt y Gaer Ringwork, Wolvesnewton

Has been described as a Possible Timber Castle (Ringwork)

There are earthwork remains

NameCwrt y Gaer Ringwork, Wolvesnewton
Alternative Names
Historic CountryMonmouthshire
Modern AuthorityMonmouthshire
1974 AuthorityGwent
CommunityDevauden

A poorly-preserved ring motte the interior of which is occupied by a farmhouse, yard and garden resulting in the partial destruction of the E side. The interior would have measured about 60m across within a bank and ditch which is well represented on the W; bank 0.7m high internally and 5m externally above a ditch 1.5m deep. (Coflein)

The monument comprises the remains of a well preserved castle-ringwork, which dates to the medieval period (c. AD 1066 - 1485). The site consists of a bank and outer ditch, with traces of an outer bank in places. On the E side there is no bank or ditch and the edge of the earthwork has been revetted with a stone garden wall. The SE side of the site is defined by a scarp, 2m high, with a flat-bottomed, water-filled, external ditch 2.5m wide and 0.5m deep. These continue around the S side of the ringwork, where the scarp rises to a steep-sided bank 0.8m high on the inside and 3m high on the outside. On the SW side the bank rises to 3.5m high. Outside the ditch on the SW side is an external bank, 1.5m high on the inside and 0.7m high on the outside, which continues around to the W before petering out. On the N side is a steep scarp 2.5m-3m high with a flat-bottomed, external ditch, 2m wide. The interior of the ringwork is occupied by a house and garden. (Scheduling Report)

Gatehouse Comments

Phillips had difficulty interpreting the site but suggests it is a late fortified site rather than an early motte.

- 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 ReferenceST449998
Latitude51.6948890686035
Longitude-2.7983500957489
Eastings344920
Northings199880
HyperLink HyperLink HyperLink

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Books

  • Morgan, Gerald, 2008, Castles in Wales: A Handbook (Talybont: Y Lolfa Cyf.) p. 243 (listed)
  • Prior, Stuart, 2006, A Few Well-Positioned Castles: The Norman Art of War (Tempus) p. 110-164
  • Phillips, Neil, 2006, Earthwork Castles of Gwent and Ergyng AD 1050-1250 (British Archaeological Reports) p. 361-2
  • Salter, Mike, 1991, The Castles of Gwent, Glamorgan and Gower (Malvern) p. 74 (slight)
  • King, D.J.C., 1983, Castellarium Anglicanum (London: Kraus) Vol. 1 p. 289
  • Bradney, J.A., 1904-33, History of Monmouthshire Vol. 2 p. 236-7
  • Coxe, W., 1801, An Historical Tour in Monmouthshire (London) Vol. 2 p. 412

Journals

  • King, D.J.C. and Alcock, L., 1969, 'Ringworks in England and Wales' Château Gaillard Vol. 3 p. 90-127
  • 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

Other

  • Phillips, Neil, 2005, Earthwork Castles of Gwent and Ergyng AD 1050-1250 (PhD Thesis University of Sheffield) Download