Castell Cadwgan, Aberaeron (The Gatehouse Record)

Castell Cadwgan, Aberaeron

Also known as, or recorded in historical documents as;
Aberatron

In the community of Aberaeron.
In the historic county of Cardiganshire.
Modern authority of Ceredigion.
Preserved county of Dyfed.

OS Map Grid Reference: SN45986340
Latitude 52.24736° Longitude -4.25881°

Castell Cadwgan, Aberaeron has been described as a probable Timber Castle.

There are no visible remains.

Description

Meyrick in his History of Cardiganshire states that Castell Cadwgan, an ancient fortification, was erected in 1148. Very little is known regarding this fortification, who built it, and for what purpose. It was situated on the seashore to the north of Aberaeron the last remnants were washed away by the sea early in the last century. Incidentally, a traveller passing this way in 1803 mentioned that fragments of the castle were still visible. (Jones, 1970)

On the sea-shore, near the village, is a circular encampment, designated Castell Cadwgan, and supposed to have been constructed by Cadwgan ab Bleddyn, about 1148. (Lewis)

The site appears to have been a ring-work. A segment of the enclosure bank is marked on the 1st edition 25" map, most of the site having been eroded. There is further erosion on the 2nd edition 25" although part of the enclosure bank is still shown as it is on the 1964 6". The area of the enclosure bank corresponds now to a widening of a sea defence bank. It was considered whether this widening incorporated part of the original enclosure bank. This does not seem to be the case, the bank is modern (the area of the enclosure bank can be related very precisely to the present sea-defences via a u-shaped breakwater, part of PRN 30770, shown on the early 25" map and which still survives. The outer edge of the sea defence bank is now 10m landward of this breakwater, and does correspond to the protection of the enclosure bank). (Dyfed Archaeological Trust HER Record)

Sources of information, references and further reading

The County Historic Environment Record (formerly Sites and Monuments Record) number(s) for this site is/are 1867.

Websites (Gatehouse is not responsible for the content of external websites.)
- Wikipedia entry
Books
- Morgan, Gerald, 2008, Castles in Wales: A Handbook (Talybont: Y Lolfa Cyf.) p. 252 (listed as possible)
  Davis, Paul, 2000, A Company of Forts. A Guide to the Medieval Castles of West Wales (Gomer Press) p. 25
  Salter, Mike, 1996, The Castles of South West Wales (Malvern) p. 46 (slight)
  King, D.J.C., 1983, Castellarium Anglicanum (London: Kraus) Vol. 1 p. 48
  Meyrick, Samuel Rush, 1907, The History and Antiquities of the County of Cardigan (Brecon) p. 261
  Lewis, Samual, 1849, A Topographical Dictionary of Wales online copy online copy
Periodical Articles
- Jones, G.M., 1970, 'Notes on Aberaeron' Ceredigion Vol. 6.3 p. 285 online copy
  King, D.J.C., 1956, 'The Castles of Cardiganshire' Ceredigion Vol. 3 p. 68 no. I (vanished) online copy
  Jones, G., 1950, 'Aberaeron landmarks' Ceredigion Vol. 1.1 p. 55-6 online copy

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The bibliography owes much to various bibliographies produced by John Kenyon for the Council for British Archaeology, the Castle Studies Group and others.

Suggestions for finding online and/or hard copies of bibliographical sources can be seen at this link.
Minor archaeological investigations, such as watching brief reports, and some other 'grey' literature is most likely to be held by H.E.R.s but is often poorly referenced and is unlikely to be recorded here, or elsewhere, but some suggestions can be found here.

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This record last updated before 1 February 2016

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