Castell Cynon, Lampeter Velfrey

Has been described as a Possible Timber Castle (Ringwork)

There are earthwork remains

NameCastell Cynon, Lampeter Velfrey
Alternative NamesLampeter Velfry; Castell Cynen
Historic CountryPembrokeshire
Modern AuthorityPembrokeshire
1974 AuthorityDyfed
CommunityLampeter Velfrey

Earthworks thought to represent the remains of a medieval castle: a rather subcircular banked and ditched enclosure, about 26m in diameter, crowning the butt-end of an east-facing ridge, showing a north-facing entrance. (Coflein)

This mound castle is situated about 180 yards north of the parish church; it shows no sign of a bailey. The mound rises to a height of 12 feet. The summit is 120 feet in diameter, and has a depression in the centre. The surrounding ditch is now considerably filled in; it is seen at its best on the west, where the counter- scarp has a height of 6 feet. The whole structure is densely covered with vegetation. Lieut.-Colonel W. LI. Morgan, R.E., an ex-Commissioner, suggests that this motte has probably been cut down, and the squat appearance, as well as the unusual summit- breadth, makes the suggestion probable. The farm is locally called Castell Cynen or Cynon. (RCAHMW, 1925)

The monument comprises the remains of a well preserved castle-ringwork, which dates to the early part of the medieval period (c. AD 1066 - 1485). It is cirular in plan and defended by a bank and ditch. The internal diameter is 90ft. (Scheduling Report)

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 ReferenceSN155146
Latitude51.7996292114258
Longitude-4.67712020874023
Eastings215500
Northings214610
HyperLink HyperLink HyperLink
Photo by Therron Welstead. All Rights ReservedView full Sized Image
Photo by Therron Welstead. All Rights ReservedView full Sized Image
Photo by Therron Welstead. All Rights ReservedView full Sized Image

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Books

  • Morgan, Gerald, 2008, Castles in Wales: A Handbook (Talybont: Y Lolfa Cyf.) p. 247 (listed)
  • Hull, Lise, 2005, Castles and Bishops Palaces of Pembrokeshire (Logaston Press) p. 112
  • Pettifer, Adrian, 2000, Welsh Castles, A Guide by Counties (Boydell Press) p. 178
  • Davis, Paul, 2000, A Company of Forts. A Guide to the Medieval Castles of West Wales (Gomer Press) p. 34
  • Salter, Mike, 1996, The Castles of South West Wales (Malvern) p. 86 (slight)
  • Miles, Dillwyn, 1979 (Revised 1988), Castles of Pembrokeshire (Pembrokeshire Coast National Park) p. 5-7
  • King, D.J.C., 1983, Castellarium Anglicanum (London: Kraus) Vol. 2 p. 393
  • RCAHMW, 1925, An inventory of the Ancient Monuments of Pembrokeshire (HMSO) p. 151 no. 407 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