Castlemartin Castle

Has been described as a Possible Timber Castle (Ringwork)

There are earthwork remains

NameCastlemartin Castle
Alternative NamesCourt Castle; Martine Castell; Castro Martini
Historic CountryPembrokeshire
Modern AuthorityPembrokeshire
1974 AuthorityDyfed
CommunityCastlemartin

A sub-oval, double-banked and ditched enclosure, 60m by 70m. Has been seen as a medieval castle site and re-use of the site is a possibility. (Coflein)

A roughly circular earthwork situated immediately north of the village of Castlemartin. This feature was described as a motte and bailey castle by the Royal Commission (1925). Later records describe it as being closer in form to an Iron-Age defended enclosure, with no sign of a motte. The inner enclosure was defended by two banks, the outer of which survives only on the western side. (Dyfed Archaeological Trust HER record)

The monument comprises the remains of a medieval ringwork, a defensive enclosure with surrounding outer bailey. The ringwork itself originally measured about 80m in diameter - and the outer bailey about 140m in diameter. Buildings and garden enclosures have encroached upon the outer terrace on the SW and NE sides, but the remaining elements of the site are both well-preserved and well-managed. (Scheduling Report)

Gatehouse Comments

'Vestigial' when seen by Leland in 1530's. This area was subject to pirate raids at almost all periods of history. The post medieval Court Farm lie just outside the enclosure. It may well be the medieval manorial centre was also outside the enclosure with this being retained mainly for livestock but it is entirely reasonable to think the the manor house was within the enclosure.

- 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 ReferenceSR915984
Latitude51.6456985473633
Longitude-5.01482009887695
Eastings191510
Northings198400
HyperLink HyperLink HyperLink

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Books

  • Morgan, Gerald, 2008, Castles in Wales: A Handbook (Talybont: Y Lolfa Cyf.) p. 247, 257 (listed twice)
  • Hull, Lise, 2005, Castles and Bishops Palaces of Pembrokeshire (Logaston Press) p. 74
  • Davis, Paul, 2000, A Company of Forts. A Guide to the Medieval Castles of West Wales (Gomer Press) p. 31
  • 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. 392
  • RCAHMW, 1925, An inventory of the Ancient Monuments of Pembrokeshire (HMSO) p. 62 no. 114 online copy
  • Lewis, Samual, 1849, A Topographical Dictionary of Wales online copy

Antiquarian

  • Toulmin-Smith, Lucy (ed), 1906, Leland's Itinerary in Wales  (Bell and Sons; London) p. 63 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
  • King, D.J.C., 1962, 'The Castles of Pembrokeshire' The Archaeological Journal Vol. 119 p. 313-6 online copy
  • Grimes, W.F., 1962 'Castlemartin Rath' The Archaeological Journal Vol. 119 p. 347-8 online copy