Lower Min y Llyn Motte

Description

A motte, c.45m in diameter and 6.0m high, cut cut from a locally prominant NE-SW ridge above the floodplain of the Severn. A ditch and counterscarp/forework cut across the ridge to the SW, whilst it is thought possible that the present farm may overlie a former bailey to the NE. (Coflein)

A quite unmistakable mound-and-bailey castle, but described upon the Ordnance sheet as a " tumulus." The entire earthwork has an E.N.E. by W.N.W. ilircction, and lies parallel with the river Severn. The ground along the river is Hat and low, but at this point, at a distance of about 50 yards from the river, it rises to a small plateau, upon the edge of which acclivity the earthwork is placed. The mound is stationed at the northern end, practically within the modern farmyard, rising to a height of about 60 feet from the level. Its summit is flat, and of larger area than usual, the diameter from N.E. to S.W. being about 50 feet, so far as the dense tangle of brambles permitted of its measurement. It was surrounded by a fosse, which, however, has disappeared on the side next the farm buildings, but is very perceptible on its other sides. The outer defence is to the S.W., and consists of an irregular platform, which, at the corner overlooking the river, assumes the character of a subordinate mound rising from the fosse to a height of 12 feet, and broadening out into an uneven platform. The outer side of this lower mound is scarped, the slope terminating in something like a narrow berm, and beyond this is a sharp drop to low and level ground. The entire site widened out toward the base, and the fosse encircled the whole. The entrance was at the south-eastern angle, probably leading from an outer bailey, but of the latter there are now no indications. A ford across the Severn formerly existed at this point. (RCAHMW)

Comments

Clearly built to control this former ford although as much for taxation as for military reasons.