Woodstock Ring, Ambleston

Has been described as a Questionable Timber Castle (Other/Unknown)

There are earthwork remains

NameWoodstock Ring, Ambleston
Alternative NamesAbleston
Historic CountryPembrokeshire
Modern AuthorityPembrokeshire
1974 AuthorityDyfed
CommunityAmbleston

This site has been considered by some writers to be a castle but is rejected as such by Hogg and King as probably prehistoric.

At the junction of four roads a few yards east of Woodstock school-house is an enclosure of about 60 feet in diameter, which is possibly the site of a small moated dwelling, though there are at present no indications of a moat. A surrounding bank stands about 3 feet high. In the same field are the ruins of a small chapel and burial ground of Rinaston. (RCAHMW)

A subrectangular, round-angled earthwork enclosure, 16-20m across, defined by a steep-sides, comparatively well preserved bank, showing a possible entrance on the east, showing indications of a ditch; traces of a rectangular structure, or building have been noted within. Set about 16m north-east of a second earthwork enclosure (Nprn402163). (Coflein)

Gatehouse Comments

In village, next to site of Chapel and a 'Court Farm' in what superficial looks just like a typical manorial centre. Clearly not a timber castle but may well have had medieval use as a manor house. Alternatively the chapel was deliberately sited near a prehistoric enclosure of some significance and the village then grew up around the chapel.

- Philip Davis

Not scheduled

Not Listed

The National Monument Record (Coflein) number(s)
County Historic Environment Record
OS Map Grid ReferenceSN022256
Latitude51.893798828125
Longitude-4.87531995773315
Eastings202280
Northings225630
HyperLink HyperLink HyperLink
Copyright Dave Barlow of Abaroths World All Rights ReservedView full Sized Image

Most of the sites or buildings recorded in this web site are NOT open to the public and permission to visit a site must always be sought from the landowner or tenant.

Calculate Print

Books

  • King, D.J.C., 1983, Castellarium Anglicanum (London: Kraus) Vol. 2 p. 400
  • RCAHMW, 1925, An inventory of the Ancient Monuments of Pembrokeshire (HMSO) p. 3 no. 4 online copy

Journals

  • 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 (reject–probably prehistoric)