Twthill, Old Rhuddlan Castle
Has been described as a Certain Timber Castle (Motte), and also as a Certain Masonry Castle, and also as a Palace (Other)
There are earthwork remains
| Name | Twthill, Old Rhuddlan Castle |
| Alternative Names | Toothill; Tut Hill; Bonc Hill; Roelent; Roeland |
| Historic Country | Flintshire |
| Modern Authority | Denbighshire |
| 1974 Authority | Clwyd |
| Community | Rhuddlan |
Mound associated with castle established 1073, repairs recorded 1241-2, superceded by Rhuddlan Castle from 1277. The castle is set on a natural spur above the Clwyd. The motte is c.75-80m in diameter, 5.0-12m high with a summit diameter of 11m by 8.0m. The bailey on the N is c.36m by 56m, defined by scarps on the N and NW. The whole work is thought to be much degraded owing to its sandy compsition, observations of mortar suggest the presence of masonry structures. (Coflein)
Motte and bailey castle built in 1073 by Robert of Rhuddlan. The motte is 5m high and formed by scarping and heightening of natural hill. The bailey to the north has been ploughed but the bank is still visible. (Clwyd Powys Archaeological Trust HER)
This monument comprises the remains of a medieval motte and bailey castle. Built in 1073, by Robert ‘of Rhuddlan’, the castle sits on the eastern side of the river Clwyd. For many years Rhuddlan was the lowest crossing point and highest point of navigation on the river Clwyd; this became particularly important between the 10th and 13th centuries. It could control traffic running both along and across the northern part of the Vale of Clwyd, and could be supplied by water. The motte stands 18m high above the river, and was protected inland by a natural valley and an artificial ditch; beyond this to the north, lies the bailey. The bailey bank has been ploughed down. As late as 1241-42 the defences, at least in part, were still made of wood, and timber-framed buildings occupied the bailey. (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 | SJ026776 |
| Latitude | 53.2869110107422 |
| Longitude | -3.46184992790222 |
| Eastings | 302630 |
| Northings | 377670 |
