Clawyd British 'Motte'

Description

Clawdd Brythonig has been described as 'a small camp of obscure purpose', this is interpreted as an Iron Age defended enclosure, with an internal platform, 35m by 13m separated from the encircling ramparts by a probable quarry-ditch. The rampart does not continue about the east end, where the ground tails away to a natural spur and the entrance is thought to be located. Suggestions that this is a medieval castle site are not now favoured. 140m to the SE is a second, undated enclosure (Nprn90149), whilst the surrounding area has been much affected by recent military activity (see Nprn90150). (Coflein)

Sub rectangular 2 ditched enclosure some 35m E-W by 13m N-S interenally. Probable entrance at SE corner. Sited on SE pointing spur. Formerly noted as ringmotte by Savory, H.N., 1952 but probably an Iron Age hillslope enclosure. The site measures about 39m N/S by 30m, is roughly oval in shape with an external bank and an internal ditch. The bank is about 5m wide and the ditch is 7m wide. There is some internal damage at SN 8625 3688, possibly military disruption. On the south and west faces there is an external ditch and the east face has been cut by the road. There is a simple entrance in the south face with a hollow way heading south into the valley. The existing road runs parallel to this. Further disturbance in the southeast corner is military in origin (Boucher, A & Crooks, K, 2000). An unusual feature is an internal ditch which is 4m wide and runs around the inner edge of the bank, thus making the level interior small in comparison with the defences. The fact the inner bank is complete and comparatively uniform suggests it may well be original rather than a later disturbance. (Cadw 1994). (Clwyd Powys Archaeological Trust HER)

The monument comprises the remains of an earthwork/stone-built enclosure. The date or precise nature of the enclosure is unknown, but it is likely to be later prehistoric or medieval. The bank and ditch is almost circular on a hillside in very wet ground. The bank is higher at the south and the ditch was v-shaped and narrow. There is no certain entrance, the gaps in bank on east side may have been made by the streams. The structure resembles a rath and is probably post-Roman in date. (Scheduling Report)

Comments

Has been scheduled as a medieval enclosure but now considered Iron Age. although called a 'motte' by some authors thIsolated location, although recorded by King he had doubts about this site and nothing about the site location or form suggest any medieval construction or even use.