Castell Moch Fawr, Llanrhaiadr ym Mochnant

Has been described as a Possible Timber Castle (Motte Other/Unknown)

There are no visible remains

NameCastell Moch Fawr, Llanrhaiadr ym Mochnant
Alternative NamesCastell Mochnant
Historic CountryMontgomeryshire
Modern AuthorityPowys
1974 AuthorityPowys
CommunityLlanrhaiadr ym Mochnant

Alleged motte and bailey on N bank of Afon Tanat (Richards, R, 1946). Site not apparent to any but Richards. (Clwyd Powys Archaeological Trust HER)

Gatehouse Comments

Spurgeon writes motte is destroyed and under farmbuildings. Site aside crossing of Afon Tanat. Richards suggested this was the caput of the commote Mochnant Uwch Rhaiadr. King, referencing Spurgeon, writes that "This is merely a conspicuous piece of river bank - entirely natural" he rejects it as a castle, however he gives the map reference of SJ120246 which is Nant Fagl Mound, which was rejected by Spurgeon, King appears to have confused two sites of similar names here and may have influenced the apparent rejection of this site by CPAT. What we have here is a castle placename at a possible administrative centre, occupied by a later house and farmstead, which has been rejected by a notable authority although there are some doubts whether he correctly identified the site. This may well have been the site of a medieval fortification, presumable of earthworks and timber but not necessarily a motte and bailey castle.

- Philip Davis

Not scheduled

Not Listed

The National Monument Record (Coflein) number(s)
County Historic Environment Record
OS Map Grid ReferenceSJ112246
Latitude52.8111801147461
Longitude-3.31906008720398
Eastings311200
Northings324600
HyperLink HyperLink HyperLink

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Books

  • Salter, Mike, 2001, The Castles of Mid Wales (Malvern) p. 37
  • King, D.J.C., 1983, Castellarium Anglicanum (London: Kraus) Vol. 1 p. 302 (misidentified and rejected)

Journals

  • Hogg, A.H.A. and King, D.J.C., 1970, 'Castles in Wales and the Marches (Additions and corrections to lists published in 1963 and 1967)' Archaeologia Cambrensis Vol. 119 p. 119-124 (reject)
  • Spurgeon, C.J., 1966, ‘The castles of Montgomeryshire’ Montgomeryshire Collections Vol. 59 p. 31 online copy
  • Richards, R., 1945-46, 'The mediaeval castles of north Montgomeryshire: a topographical survey, III', Montgomeryshire Collections Vol. 49 p. 3-8 online copy
  • Richards, R., 1942, 'The mediaeval castles of north Montgomeryshire: a topographical survey I' Montgomeryshire Collections Vol. 47 p. 164-82 esp. 179 online copy
  • Hancock, T.W., 1871, 'Llanrhaiadr-yn-mochnant: its parochial history and antiquities' Montgomeryshire Collections Vol. 4 p. 201-48