Garn Fawr 'Motte', Newchurch and Merthyr

Has been described as a Certain Timber Castle (Ringwork), and also as a Certain Masonry Castle

There are earthwork remains

NameGarn Fawr 'Motte', Newchurch and Merthyr
Alternative NamesCastell Waunllannau; Yr Hen Gaer; Cnwc
Historic CountryCarmarthenshire
Modern AuthorityCarmarthenshire
1974 AuthorityDyfed
CommunityNewchurch and Merthyr

A sub-circular enclosure, c.22m in diameter, defined by a bank & ditch, having a NE facing entrance. A stone wall c.1.8m wide 1.5m high is said to have been removed in 1860. (Coflein)

Castell Waunllanau is a motte 4m high with a well preserved ditch except at the east side where it is slight. There is a saucer shaped depression 1.5m deep at the top. Some animal erosion especially at the NE side where a groove 4.4m wide and 0.56m deep has been cut into the summit. The motte is overgrown with trees and blackthorn. There is no trace of a bailey. (Dyfed Archaeological Trust HER)

The monument comprises the remains of a motte, 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. The monument has no trace of outer bailey. It is in perfect condition,standing in a pasture field and covered with long grass and fir trees. (Scheduling Report)

Gatehouse Comments

Large well preserved ringwork, no sign of bailey. Landowner has recently filled in part of ditch.

- 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 ReferenceSN396237
Latitude51.8895683288574
Longitude-4.33170986175537
Eastings239630
Northings223790
HyperLink HyperLink HyperLink

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Books

  • Morgan, Gerald, 2008, Castles in Wales: A Handbook (Talybont: Y Lolfa Cyf.) p. 236 (listed)
  • Pettifer, Adrian, 2000, Welsh Castles, A Guide by Counties (Boydell Press) p. 58
  • 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 (slight)
  • Davis, P.R., 1987, Castles of Dyfed (Llandysul: Gomer Press) p. 67
  • King, D.J.C., 1983, Castellarium Anglicanum (London: Kraus) Vol. 1 p. 59
  • RCAHMW, 1917, An inventory of the Ancient Monuments of Carmarthenshire (HMSO) p. 222 no. 653 online copy

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
  • Davies, 1905-6, Transactions of the Carmarthenshire Antiquarian Society Vol. 1 p. 83-4