Nantperchellan

Has been described as a Possible Timber Castle (Ringwork)

There are earthwork remains

NameNantperchellan
Alternative NamesSt Dogmaels; Nan Perchellan
Historic CountryCardiganshire
Modern AuthorityCeredigion
1974 AuthorityDyfed
CommunityCardigan

A roughly rectangular promontory enclosure, of uncertain date, occupying the butt-end of a south-facing ridge, about 52m north-east to south-west, defined by a rampart and ditch to the north and east, facing onto rising ground, whilst steep natural slopes complete the circuit on the south and western sides. (Coflein)

A sub-rectangular hilltop enclosure defended on the west and south by a steep natural slope and on the north and east by a bank and external ditch. This site is located at the south-eastern extremity of St Dogmaels parish and is one of several similar sites which are found in the Bridell/Llantwd area just to the south of the parish boundary. (Dyfed Archaeological Trust HER)

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). Inland promontory forts are usually located on a ridge or spur with steep slopes on two or three sides, and artificial ramparts on the level approaches. Castell Nantperchellan is a roughly rectangular promontory enclosure, occupying the butt-end of a south-facing ridge above the confluence of two local streams, and measuring c.52m north-east to south-west. It is defined by a rampart and ditch to the north and east, facing onto rising ground, whilst steep natural slopes complete the circuit on the south and western sides. (Scheduling Report)

Gatehouse Comments

Thought to be either a medieval earthwork castle or an IA defended enclosure. Isolated from settlement. Beside a bridleway which can never have been a major route.

- 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 ReferenceSN173433
Latitude52.0580787658691
Longitude-4.66602993011475
Eastings217300
Northings243330
HyperLink HyperLink HyperLink

No photos available. If you can provide pictures please contact Castlefacts

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Books

  • Davis, Paul, 2000, A Company of Forts. A Guide to the Medieval Castles of West Wales (Gomer Press) p. 37
  • Salter, Mike, 1996, The Castles of South West Wales (Malvern) p. 87 (slight, located in Pembrokeshire)
  • King, D.J.C., 1983, Castellarium Anglicanum (London: Kraus) Vol. 1 p. 49

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 (possible)
  • King, D.J.C., 1956, 'The Castles of Cardiganshire' Ceredigion Vol. 3 p. 68 no. 34 (possible) online copy
  • Vincent, Henry J., 1864, 'Caerau in the Parish of St Dogmells' Archaeologia Cambrensis Vol. 19 p. 313 online copy