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The comprehensive gazetteer and bibliography of the medieval castles, fortifications and palaces of England, Wales, the Islands.
 
 
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Cefn Llech Enclosure

Also known as, or recorded in historical documents as;
Cwm y Saeson; Dulas

In the community of St Harmon.
In the historic county of Radnorshire.
Modern authority of Powys.
Preserved county of Powys.

OS Map Grid Reference: SN96057700
Latitude 52.38115° Longitude -3.52863°

Cefn Llech Enclosure has been described as a probable Timber Castle.

There are earthwork remains.

Description

A kidney-shaped embanked enclosure, 18m by 12m, that appears to have been partly scarped from a natural mound on low ground between two streams. The defences are stronger to the S and the entrance is to the W. A medieval date has been suggested, but an IA date is a possibility. (Coflein as unknown defended enclosure)

Reniform enclosure some 18m by 1m overall bounded by bank 5m to 7m wide. Outer ditch and counterscarp on south. Original entrance (about 1.5m wide) on west side. Interior 0.7m higher than surrounding ground level. Sited between two streams. Origin and purpose unclear. Possibly related to linear earthwork feature (PRN 69455) situated on what is now the opposite (north) side of the Afon Dulas. There are many channels and terraces around the river resulting from its changing course, one channel going around the south and east of the enclosure. Presuming the river could have flowed along this course when the enclosure was constructed, the linear earthwork would then have been on the same side as the enclosure. (Clwyd Powys Archaeological Trust HER as medieval enclosure)
Comments

Remfry suggest this is a ringwork with wet defences, a possible site of the Castle in Gwerthrynion mentioned in contemporary documents. At the foot of a pass in a position to control passage.
Links to archaeological and architectural databases, mapping and other online resources

Data >
Coflein   County HER            
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Sources of information, references and further reading
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This record last updated 11/06/2016 07:44:28


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