Castlefacts³

Old Radnor Castle

Has been described as a Possible Timber Castle (Ringwork), and also as a Possible Fortified Manor House

There are earthwork remains

Name	Old Radnor Castle
Alternative Names	The Castle
Historic Country	Radnorshire
Modern Authority	Powys
1974 Authority	Powys
Community	Old Radnor

Possible moated house in undefensive position - not a castle, possible rectory site. (King, 1983)

Old Radnor Castle is an oval enclosure, measuring c.40m by 33m, defined by a steep sided ditch, 2.6m maximum depth, and close by Old Radnor church (Nprn306985). It is set beneath steep slopes to the east, whilst the ground falls away to the west and north. The curvilinear form of the enclosure suggests an Iron Age origin, whilst the lack of banks and proximity to the church may indicate a medieval date. Conventionally regarded as a medieval ringwork castle (Coflein)

Ringwork with dished interior defined by steep sided ditch up to 2.6m deep. Original entrance probably on north side. West side destroyed. Sited at foot of steep slope. Referred to in 1607 as moated parsonage (Silvester, R J 1994b, 134). (Clwyd Powys Archaeological Trust HER)

The monument comprises the remains of a well-preserved medieval or post-medieval moated homestead. Old Radnor Castle is set beneath steep slopes to the east, while the ground falls away to the west and north. It is an oval moated enclosure, measuring c.40m by c.33m, defined by a steep-sided ditch up to c.2.6m deep; the west side has been damaged and partially destroyed by later activity. The entrance may originally have been on the north. It lies close to Old Radnor Church and was described in 1607 as a ‘moated parsonage’. (Scheduling Report)

Gatehouse Comments

D.J.C. King was quite adamant in his rejection of this as a castle site, although it is a defended medieval residence. However it does seem to be accepted as a ringwork by Coflein and Clwyd Powys Archaeological Trust HER.The moat ditch is more than would be strictly needed for drainage, although rain on this welsh hillside can be intense at times. It would serve to do service for domestic security but as it is below a hillside and could readily be overlooked in a bow-shot distance could not have withstood any serious attack.

- Philip Davis

This site is a scheduled monument protected by law

Not Listed

The National Monument Record (Coflein) number(s)

306331

County Historic Environment Record

www.cofiadurcahcymru.org.uk/arch/query/page.php?watprn=CPAT374&dbname=cpat&tbname=core

OS Map Grid Reference	SO250590
Latitude	52.2241706848145
Longitude	-3.09915995597839
Eastings	325010
Northings	259010