Tomen Llanio, Llanddewi Brefi

Has been described as a Certain Timber Castle (Motte)

There are earthwork remains

NameTomen Llanio, Llanddewi Brefi
Alternative NamesCastle of Richard de la Mare; Castello i Flemis
Historic CountryCardiganshire
Modern AuthorityCeredigion
1974 AuthorityDyfed
CommunityLlanddewi Brefi

A steep-sided circular mound, 32m in diameter & 5.0m high, rising from a 6.0m wide ditch, up to 1.0m deep, set upon the point of a gentle ridge above the Teifi valley; the 15m diameter summit area is scarred by excavation trenches on the north & east: can be identified as a medieval castle mound; there are no indications of further works. (Coflein ref.–J.Wiles 04.03.05)

Probably the castle of Richard de la Mare destroyed in 1136 (Brut y Tywysogion). For the tentatively identification with Castello i Flemis of 1184 (Monasticon V, p. 632) see Proceedings of the British Academy XLII, p. 67, n. 2. (Renn 1973)

The monument comprises the remains of a motte and ditch, dating to the medieval period (c. 1066 -1540 AD). A motte is a large conical or pyramidal mound of soil and/or stone, usually surrounded by either a wet or dry ditch, and surmounted by a tower constructed of timber or stone. This monument consists of a mound, c.15m in diameter, c.7m high and flat on top. It is surrounded by a ditch c.1m deep. No bailey visible; the monument probably never had one. (Scheduling Report)

Gatehouse Comments

The only motte in the village.

- 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 ReferenceSN661579
Latitude52.203010559082
Longitude-3.9612500667572
Eastings266100
Northings257900
HyperLink HyperLink HyperLink

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Books

  • Morgan, Gerald, 2008, Castles in Wales: A Handbook (Talybont: Y Lolfa Cyf.) p. 234 (listed)
  • Pettifer, Adrian, 2000, Welsh Castles, A Guide by Counties (Boydell Press) p. 41
  • Davis, Paul, 2000, A Company of Forts. A Guide to the Medieval Castles of West Wales (Gomer Press) p. 41, 44
  • Salter, Mike, 1996, The Castles of South West Wales (Malvern) p. 46 (slight)
  • King, D.J.C., 1983, Castellarium Anglicanum (London: Kraus) Vol. 1 p. 46, 48
  • Renn, D.F., 1973 (2 edn.), Norman Castles of Britain (London: John Baker) p. 229
  • Lewis, Samual, 1849, A Topographical Dictionary of Wales online copy

Journals

  • 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
  • King, D.J.C., 1956, 'The Castles of Cardiganshire' Ceredigion Vol. 3 p. 58 no. 10 online copy
  • 1956, Proceedings of the British Academy Vol. 42 p. 167n2

Primary Sources

  • Brut y Tywysogion 1136 (Several transcriptions and translations exist the best being Jones, T., 1952, Brut Y Twysogion (University of Wales, History and Law series 11)–based on the Peniarth MS 20 version. There is a flawed translation Williams ab Ithel, John, 1860, Brut Y Twysogion or The Chronicle of the Princes (Rolls Series) online copy)
  • Dugdale, William (Caley, J., Ellis, H. and Bandinel, B. (eds)), 1817-30 (originally pub. 1655-73), Monasticon Anglicanum (London) Vol. 5 p. 632