Felin Cwrrws, Llandyfroig

Has been described as a Possible Timber Castle (Ringwork)

There are earthwork remains

NameFelin Cwrrws, Llandyfroig
Alternative NamesFelin Cwrrs; Felin Cwrws; Henllan
Historic CountryCardiganshire
Modern AuthorityCeredigion
1974 AuthorityDyfed
CommunityLlandyfroig

A small promontory fort with a single curving bank and ditch. The bank is up to c.3.6m in height with a wide U shaped ditch up to 1.5m deep. Although the defences have been truncated at both north and south the entrance was probably at the north end where there is a causeway. JH 1995 based on Cadw 1988. (Dyfed Archaeological Trust HER)

A roughly 34m sweep of west-facing rampart & ditch cuts off a rather tapering, steep-sided promontory, about 24m deep, overhanging the valley of the Afon Cynllo: a defensive earthwork of uncertain date. (Coflein)

The monument comprises the remains of a defended enclosure, which probably dates to the Iron Age period (c. 800 BC - AD 74, the Roman conquest of Wales) but may equally date to the early Medieval period. Inland promontory forts are usually located on a ridge or spur with steep slopes on 2 or 3 sides, and artificial ramparts on the level approaches. Alternatively they may have been constructed on a promontory above the confluence of two rivers, or in the bend of a meander. This site occupies a small natural promontory forming a headland above the Afon Cynllo. The defences, which consist of a substantial bank 2.8m high with an outer ditch up to 1.5m deep, run for a distance of c.34m around the more accessible west of the promontory, enclosing a fairly level area measuring only c.30m north-south by 24m. The most likely site for an entrance is at the north end of the rampart, where there is a causeway across the ditch. (Scheduling Report)

Gatehouse Comments

David King consider this to be a medieval partial ringwork but it is scheduled as an Iron Age defensive enclosure. Beside a road as it climbs through a steep valey onto the hills but otherwise isolated from settlement. May have had some medieval use as a control point but seems unlikely as a residential castle site.

- 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 ReferenceSN351411
Latitude52.0442008972168
Longitude-4.40492010116577
Eastings235150
Northings241120
HyperLink HyperLink HyperLink

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Books

  • Morgan, Gerald, 2008, Castles in Wales: A Handbook (Talybont: Y Lolfa Cyf.) p. 234 (listed)
  • Davis, Paul, 2000, A Company of Forts. A Guide to the Medieval Castles of West Wales (Gomer Press) p. 33
  • Salter, Mike, 1996, The Castles of South West Wales (Malvern) p. 46
  • King, D.J.C., 1983, Castellarium Anglicanum (London: Kraus) Vol. 1 p. 46

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