Hen Blas

Description

At the intersection of two steep valleys is the site of a castle which shows, by the earthworks which remain, that it once had an inner ward and a large outer enclosure, a formation perhaps developed from a very early motte and bailey castle. Its history is unknown, but in 1244 a wooden castle was documented as being "at Coleshill" which is less than half a mile away. (Reid)

There is mention of a castle being built in this location in 1157 and captured in 1166. The physical remains include an enclosure approximately 48m north-south by 50m east-west sited on a spur-end beween two streams flowing from west to east. It is defined by a ditch on the west and elsewhere by steep natural slopes. On the west is an outer enclosure 72m north-south by 78m, again ditched on the west. Excavations concluded in 1957 demonstrated that an earthwork castle was replaced by a 'fortified manorhouse' in the early thirteenth century which was itself abandoned in the late fourteenth century. (Coflein)

Motte and bailey built 1157. Motte predominantly levelled in late 13th cent for timber buildings within a pallisade. Excavations concluded in 1957. Site bounded on N and S by steep sided ravine. (Clwyd Powys 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. The monument consists of the remains of an enclosure approximately 48m north-south by 50m east-west sited on a spur-end between two streams flowing from west to east. The enclosure is defined by a ditch on the west and elsewhere by steep natural slopes. On the west is an outer enclosure 72m north-south by 78m, again ditched on the west. There is mention of a castle being built in this location in 1157 and captured in 1166. Excavations concluded in 1957 demonstrated that an earthwork castle was replaced by a fortified manor house in the early thirteenth century which was itself abandoned in the late fourteenth century. (Scheduling Report)

Comments

Castle possibly that built 1157 and captured 1166 (Basingwerk or Dinas Bassing - also identified with Holywell and Bryn Castell). In the 1970 addition and corrections article Hogg and King write later occupation of site not military. They also place the wooden castle mentioned in 1244 at Bryn y Cwn Motte (SJ238714).