Domen Gastell, Llanfechain

Has been described as a Certain Timber Castle (Motte)

There are earthwork remains

NameDomen Gastell, Llanfechain
Alternative NamesDomen Castell; Tomen Gastell
Historic CountryMontgomeryshire
Modern AuthorityPowys
1974 AuthorityPowys
CommunityLlanfechain

Domen Gastell is a ditched mound measuring 38-43m in diameter and about 9.5m high, having a summit diameter of 10-12m across. The mound has a counterscarp on the south and south-east, with a roughly triangular banked and ditched bailey, generally 46m by 20-40m, with an east-facing entrance,set on the north-east, between the motte and a river terrace scarp. (Coflein)

Mound and shovel shaped bailey. The motte stands 6m high above a ditch, spanning 12m at it's summit. The 45mx35m bailey lies to the NE with a natural slope, ditch and rampart. Welsh motte, probably built by Owain Fychan ap Madog in 1166. (Daniel Mersey–Castle of Wales)

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. (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 ReferenceSJ186202
Latitude52.7732086181641
Longitude-3.20802998542786
Eastings318610
Northings320210
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
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. 246 (listed)
  • Davis, Paul R., 2007, Castles of the Welsh Princes (Y Lolfa) p. 94 (incorrect map ref.)
  • Salter, Mike, 2001, The Castles of Mid Wales (Malvern) p. 41
  • Pettifer, Adrian, 2000, Welsh Castles, A Guide by Counties (Boydell Press) p. 152
  • Reid, Alan, 1998, Castles of Wales (John Jones Publishing) p. 78
  • King, D.J.C., 1983, Castellarium Anglicanum (London: Kraus) Vol. 1 p. 297
  • RCAHMW, 1911, An inventory of the Ancient Monuments of Montgomeryshire (HMSO) p. 88-9 no. 447 online copy

Journals

  • Spurgeon. C J., 1966. ‘The castles of Montgomeryshire’ Montgomeryshire Collections Vol. 59 p. 7-8 online copy
  • 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
  • Richards, R., 1949, Montgomeryshire Collections Vol. 51 p. 72-4
  • Richards, R., 1942, 'The mediaeval castles of north Montgomeryshire: a topographical survey I' Montgomeryshire Collections Vol. 47 p. 164-82 online copy
  • Gardner, Willoughby, 1923, Archaeologia Cambrensis Vol. 78 p. 444-5
  • Anon, 1872, Montgomeryshire Collections Vol. 5 p. 246-8
  • Bridgeman, G.T.O., 1868, 'Ancient Lords of Mechain' Montgomeryshire Collections Vol. 1 p. 197-203 online copy

Other

  • Silvester, R.J., 1992, Montgomeryshire Historic Settlements (CPAT report)