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Twthill, Old Rhuddlan Castle

Also known as, or recorded in historical documents as;
Toothill; Tut Hill; Bonc Hill; Roelent; Roeland

In the community of Rhuddlan.
In the historic county of Flintshire.
Modern authority of Denbighshire.
Preserved county of Clwyd.

OS Map Grid Reference: SJ02637767
Latitude 53.28691° Longitude -3.46185°

Twthill, Old Rhuddlan Castle has been described as a certain Timber Castle, and also as a probable Masonry Castle, and also as a probable Palace.

There are earthwork remains.

This site is a scheduled monument protected by law.
Description

Mound associated with castle established 1073, repairs recorded 1241-2, superceded by Rhuddlan Castle from 1277. The castle is set on a natural spur above the Clwyd. The motte is c.75-80m in diameter, 5.0-12m high with a summit diameter of 11m by 8.0m. The bailey on the N is c.36m by 56m, defined by scarps on the N and NW. The whole work is thought to be much degraded owing to its sandy compsition, observations of mortar suggest the presence of masonry structures. (Coflein)

Motte and bailey castle built in 1073 by Robert of Rhuddlan. The motte is 5m high and formed by scarping and heightening of natural hill. The bailey to the north has been ploughed but the bank is still visible. (Clwyd Powys Archaeological Trust HER)

This monument comprises the remains of a medieval motte and bailey castle. Built in 1073, by Robert ‘of Rhuddlan’, the castle sits on the eastern side of the river Clwyd. For many years Rhuddlan was the lowest crossing point and highest point of navigation on the river Clwyd; this became particularly important between the 10th and 13th centuries. It could control traffic running both along and across the northern part of the Vale of Clwyd, and could be supplied by water. The motte stands 18m high above the river, and was protected inland by a natural valley and an artificial ditch; beyond this to the north, lies the bailey. The bailey bank has been ploughed down. As late as 1241-42 the defences, at least in part, were still made of wood, and timber-framed buildings occupied the bailey. (Scheduling Report)
Comments

Traditionally occupying the site of a palace of Gruffydd ap Llywelyn.
Links to archaeological and architectural databases, mapping and other online resources

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Sources of information, references and further reading
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This record last updated 20/04/2017 03:57:37
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