Old Castle upon Alun

Has been described as a Questionable Uncertain

There are no visible remains

NameOld Castle upon Alun
Alternative NamesCastle upon Alen
Historic CountryGlamorgan
Modern AuthorityVale of Glamorgan
1974 AuthorityMid Glamorgan
CommunitySt Bride's Major

The large scale O.S. maps mark the site of 'Oldcastle-upon-Alun' in a small field on the N. side of the farm of that name. The name, correctly Oldcastle-upon-Alun, has been extant in the vicinity since the mid-12th century, surviving unchanged for Oldcastle Down, the high ground N.W. of the site. The re-use of medieval dressings in the immediate vicinity increases the credibility of a castle or strong house here. These dressings relate to two doorways, respectively of 13th- and 15th-century character. (Coflein)

Castle upon Alen. No visible remains of the castle. Site is on disturbed ground & overgrown. No trace was found of a motte or a bailey. 2 archways have been incorporated into a wall. (Glamorgan-Gwent Archaeological Trust HER)

Gatehouse Comments

A placename strongly suggestive of a castle site although King writes no military elements have ever been found here; "though the site is favourable for defence" he rejects this as a castle.

- Philip Davis

Not scheduled

Not Listed

The National Monument Record (Coflein) number(s)
County Historic Environment Record
OS Map Grid ReferenceSS911748
Latitude51.4615097045898
Longitude-3.56879997253418
Eastings291130
Northings174830
HyperLink HyperLink HyperLink

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Books

  • Morgan, Gerald, 2008, Castles in Wales: A Handbook (Talybont: Y Lolfa Cyf.) p. 254 (listed as possible)
  • Reid, Alan, 1998, Castles of Wales (John Jones Publishing) p. 56
  • Salter, Mike, 1991, The Castles of Gwent, Glamorgan and Gower (Malvern) p. 75 (slight)
  • King, D.J.C., 1983, Castellarium Anglicanum (London: Kraus) Vol. 1 p. 174 (reject)
  • Hague, D.B., 1971, in Pugh, T.B. (ed), Glamorgan County History Vol. 3 The Middle Ages (Cardiff) p. 439