Ystrad Meurig Castle

Description

The earthworks remain of an important castle established in about 1110 and then destroyed in 1137. It was disputed, besieged and rebuilt through the later twelfth century and is last recorded in 1208. It is possible that earlier notices refer to a castle mound 1.5km to the east (NPRN 300616). The castle remains consists of a rather angular enclosure, about 100m north-south by 82m, occupying the southern tip of a spur. This has traces of a rampart and ditch on the north where it faces level ground and is otherwise defined by scarps above steep natural slopes. In the northern part of the enclosure are the foundations of a massive rectangular stone tower, 18-20m across. This was apparently part of a building complex at least 30m across. Within the southern tip of the castle enclosure gentle scarps define an inner oval enclosure, about 35m north-south by 30m. (Coflein)

This is the later of the two castles at Ystrad Meurig, probably built to replace the early 12th century motte on the valley floor. This was a stronger castle with a stone keep. It was attacked by Maelgwn ap Rhys on Christmas Eve, 1193, when he employed siege engines in his assault. The castle was destroyed by Maelgwn in 1208, when it was threatened by Llywelyn Fawr of Gwynedd. (Dyfed Archaeological Trust HER)

The monument consists of the remains of a castle, dating to the medieval period. A castle is a defended residence or stronghold, built mainly of stone, in which the principal or sole defence comprises the walls and towers bounding the site. Some form of keep may have stood within the enclosure but these were not significant in defensive terms and served mainly to provide accommodation. The remains of Ystrad-Meurig Castle consist of a rather angular enclosure, about 100m north-south by 82m, occupying the southern tip of a spur. This has traces of a rampart and ditch on the north where it faces level ground and is otherwise defined by scarps above steep natural slopes. In the northern part of the enclosure are the foundations of a massive rectangular stone tower, 18-20m across. This was apparently part of a building complex at least 30m across. Within the south-western corner of the castle enclosure, gentle scarps define an inner oval enclosure, about 35m north-south by 30m. The castle was established in about 1110 and then destroyed in 1137. It was disputed, besieged and rebuilt through the later twelfth century and is last recorded in 1208. It is possible that earlier notices refer to a castle mound 1.6km to the east (SAM CD031). (Scheduling Report)

the site of earthworks usually identified as the remains of the English castle of the Clare lords of Ceredigion at Ystrad Meurig. Examination of the site shows, however, that it was far more complex than this and we are suggesting that this was once the site of the royal llys or hall complex of he Ceredigion kings and princes and that some of the earthworks at least are the remains of this. The llys was the centre of estates held by Welsh aristocrats both secular and ecclesiastical as they are identified in the Welsh laws and elsewhere. Such estates almost certainly formed the basis of the original grants made to the Abbey of Strata Florida in the 12th century (David Austin)