Banc y Bettws, Llangyndeyrn

Has been described as a Certain Timber Castle (Ringwork)

There are earthwork remains

NameBanc y Bettws, Llangyndeyrn
Alternative NamesBanc y Betws, near Tygwyn
Historic CountryCarmarthenshire
Modern AuthorityCarmarthenshire
1974 AuthorityDyfed
CommunityLlangyndeyrn

Ring motte damaged by quarry. An oval flat-topped mound, c.40m E-Wv by 35m and c.9.0 high, ditched without indications of further works. (Coflein)

Banc y Bettws Motte is still in good state of preservation apart from the eastern face, which was quarried about 30 years ago. A ditch still surrounds the motte and is approximately 15 feet wide with a maximum depth of about six feet. The ditch on the northern side has been filled in and incorporated into the field. AS Maull 1983 with info from Mr Davies Ty Gwyn farm. This motte which is covered by large trees shows no sign of recent disturbance. E Morgan 1985 (Dyfed Archaeological Trust HER)

The monument comprises the remains of a motte and ditch, dating to the medieval period (c. 1066 -1540 AD). A motte is a large conical or pyramidal mound of soil and/or stone, usually surrounded by either a wet or dry ditch, and surmounted by a tower constructed of timber or stone. Banc y Bettws Castle Mound measures 20ft high and is saucer shaped, 60ft from lip to lip. (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 ReferenceSN458154
Latitude51.8164215087891
Longitude-4.23777008056641
Eastings245840
Northings215460
HyperLink HyperLink HyperLink
Copyright Dave Barlow of Abaroths World All Rights ReservedView full Sized Image
Copyright Dave Barlow of Abaroths World All Rights ReservedView full Sized Image

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Books

  • Morgan, Gerald, 2008, Castles in Wales: A Handbook (Talybont: Y Lolfa Cyf.) p. 235 (listed)
  • Pettifer, Adrian, 2000, Welsh Castles, A Guide by Counties (Boydell Press) p. 58
  • Davis, Paul, 2000, A Company of Forts. A Guide to the Medieval Castles of West Wales (Gomer Press) p. 27
  • Salter, Mike, 1996, The Castles of South West Wales (Malvern) p. 46 (slight)
  • King, D.J.C., 1983, Castellarium Anglicanum (London: Kraus) Vol. 1 p. 58
  • RCAHMW, 1917, An inventory of the Ancient Monuments of Carmarthenshire (HMSO) p. 166 no. 485 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