Maes Mynan Mound

Has been described as a Rejected Timber Castle (Motte)

There are no visible remains

NameMaes Mynan Mound
Alternative NamesMaesmaenan; Aberwhiler; Coed Maesmynan
Historic CountryDenbighshire
Modern AuthorityDenbighshire
1974 AuthorityClwyd
CommunityCaerwys

A mound, reported to have been c.120 paces in circumference and c.6m high, was investigated in 1868 with no result, and again in 1968/9, prior to gravel-working, when it was rulled to be natural. A pygmy cup and remains of a cremation were recovered from the spoil-heap of the 1968/9 excavation, indicating either that the mound was a barrow, or that, in an area where barrows and natural landforms are difficult to distinguish, the mound was utilised as a barrow. The mound was in the past classified and subsequently rejected as, a castle mound. (Coflein–where categorised as Bronze Age round barrow?)

Large mound thought by Davies to be a barrow, by RCAHM to be a motte. Excavation in advance of gravel working (Drewett, 1969; see PRN 19202) proved it to be a natural mound. Excavation in 1896 of a section 3-4ft wide through upper part of mound although nothing of interest found (Davies 1929, 50). Extensive quarrying has taken place, which has destroyed the site. However, evidence of a cremation has been found on the site prior to ground working. A large mound on the site, thought to be a barrow, has been found to be natural. (CCC, 1988) The remains of a Bronze Age cremation and a pygmy cup were found on the tip. Now in NMW 72.34H/1-2 (Silvester, R J & Brassil, K S 1991, 7). Watching brief in 1992 failed to reveal any archaeological sites (Wayne, D 1992). Site now destroyed by quarrying (CPAT proj. 715). (Clwyd Powys Archaeological Trust HER)

Gatehouse Comments

Although recording this as a motte in 1963, based on RCAHMW report, rejected as such by Hogg and King in 1970 based on Drewett report.

- Philip Davis

Not scheduled

Not Listed

The National Monument Record (Coflein) number(s)
County Historic Environment Record
OS Map Grid ReferenceSJ112721
Latitude53.2386207580566
Longitude-3.33076000213623
Eastings311280
Northings372110
HyperLink HyperLink HyperLink

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Books

  • King, D.J.C., 1983, Castellarium Anglicanum (London: Kraus) Vol. 1 p. 106
  • Davies, E., 1929, Prehistoric and Roman Remains of Denbighshire (Cardiff) p. 50
  • RCAHMW, 1914, An inventory of the Ancient Monuments of Denbighshire (HMSO) p. 10 no. 21 online copy

Journals

  • Hogg, A.H.A. and King, D.J.C., 1970, 'Castles in Wales and the Marches (Additions and corrections to lists published in 1963 and 1967)' Archaeologia Cambrensis Vol. 119 p. 119-124 (reject)
  • Drewett, P.L., 1970, 'The excavation of a Bronze Age burial in a natural mound at Maesmynan, Denbighshire 1969' Bulletin of the Board of Celtic Studies Vol. 23 p. 411-16
  • Drewett, P.L., 1969, 'Maesmynan' Archaeology in Wales Vol. 9 p. 9 no. 8
  • 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

Other

  • Wayne, D., 1992, An archaeological watching brief at Maesmynan quarry, Afonwen, Clwyd (CPAT report)
  • Silvester, R.J. & Brassil, K.S., 1991, Mineral workings in Clwyd and Powys: an archaeological assessment (CPAT report)