Llanvaches Castle

Has been described as a Possible Masonry Castle

There are cropmark/slight earthwork remains

NameLlanvaches Castle
Alternative NamesLlanfaches
Historic CountryMonmouthshire
Modern AuthorityNewport
1974 AuthorityGwent
CommunityLlanvaches

Low spread banks of tumbled stone roughly define a sub-rectangular enclosure known as Llanvaches Castle. it measures c.54m E-W by 42m, and is set upon the summit of a hillock. (Coflein)

The fragmentary outlying earthworks connected with the 'castle' have been encroached upon by development. No dating material recovered (1976). (Glamorgan-Gwent Archaeological Trust HER)

Traces of earthworks and masonry. King reported as built over (repeated by Salter) but the platform is still extant as a low platform with the clearly marked foundations of a large rectangular structure and enclosing wall. Doubt has been cast on its defensive nature. (Description from Will Davies)

The monument consists of the remains of a castle, dating to the medieval period. It consists of a roughly rectangular area measuring 54m E/W by 42m located on the summit of a low knoll and defined by low grass-covered banks. The external bank measures between 0.8m and 1.2m high. There is a large opening in the bank on the NW side, possibly where it has been disturbed. In the SE corner is a break in the bank that may represent the original entrance. Internally, the ground is level with a series of banks appearing to delineate the location of buildings on the E side. The monument is of national importance for its potential to enhance our knowledge of medieval defensive practices. (Scheduling Report)

Gatehouse Comments

One of several small masonry castles associated with Wentwood forest.

- 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 ReferenceST433920
Latitude51.62451171875
Longitude-2.8193199634552
Eastings343370
Northings192060
HyperLink HyperLink HyperLink

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Books

  • Morgan, Gerald, 2008, Castles in Wales: A Handbook (Talybont: Y Lolfa Cyf.) p. 254 (listed as vanished (it isn't) and as in Glamorgan (it isn't)), p. 256 (listing for Monmouthshire 'Probably a mansion ruin')
  • Phillips, Neil, 2006, Earthwork Castles of Gwent and Ergyng AD 1050-1250 (British Archaeological Reports) p. 244-5
  • Reid, Alan, 1998, Castles of Wales (John Jones Publishing) p. 101
  • Salter, Mike, 1991, The Castles of Gwent, Glamorgan and Gower (Malvern) p. 75 (slight and mislocated in Glamorgan)
  • King, D.J.C., 1983, Castellarium Anglicanum (London: Kraus) Vol. 1 p. 289
  • Barber, J.T., 1803, A Tour Throughout South Wales and Monmouthshire (London: T. Cadell and W. Davies) p. 227

Journals

  • Vyner, B.E., 1976, Archaeology in Wales Vol. 16 p. 43 no. 98
  • Hogg, A.H.A. and King, D.J.C., 1967, 'Masonry castles in Wales and the Marches: a list' Archaeologia Cambrensis Vol. 116 p. 71-132

Other

  • Will Davies, 10/8/06, pers. corr.
  • Phillips, Neil, 2005, Earthwork Castles of Gwent and Ergyng AD 1050-1250 (PhD Thesis University of Sheffield) Download