Castell Poeth

Description

Immediately north of Tref Asser cross roads is what appears to be a circular mound, 30 yards in diameter, slightly raised above the adjoining ground; it is surrounded by a moat 6 to 8 feet in depth, and 20 feet wide at the top, which at the western end is rilled with water. Owing to quarrying and other operations it is difficult to classify this work. It would seem to be a medieval mound without a bailey court. According to Lewis (Top. Dict., 1833), where it is mentioned as a "tumulus surrounded by a moat," it was " opened some years since and found to contain fragments of urns, and other indications of its having been a place of sepulture." Against this theory must be placed the name "Castell," "Dancastell," a cottage adjacent to the moat, and "Weirglodd castell" (Tithe Schedule, Nos. 215-16), two fields immediately north of the mound. (RCAHMW)

The Ordnance Survey note that this feature is classified as a castle mound without a bailey. However, the OS description also notes that others have interpreted the site as a small hillslope enclosure. The OS conclude that the feature is a castle mound with a spread bailey that is just visible on 1946 RAF air photographs. In contrast with this are the scheduling description, which records the feature as a small circular Iron Age enclosure with a single bank and ditch. The Royal Commission description of the feature notes that Lewis (1833) called it a tumulus in which fragments of urns had once been found. If this feature ever had a bailey it is not visible on the Meridian air photograph (Dyfed Archaeological Trust HER record)

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. It is a small circular earthwork about 30 yards in diameter. The flat central area is surrounded by a single bank and ditch, with the former rising 2 ft from the interior and dropping 8 ft to the bottom of the ditch which is 6 ft below the surrounding land. The south part of the ditch is wet and the east side has been slightly disturbed. (Scheduling Report)

Comments

In Hogg and King's 1963 early castle list but moved in to their 'possible' list (meaning doubtful) in 1970. Near to coast, which whilst generally rocky, does have some small landing places meaning pirate raids in this area possible at any age. Does seem to be a barrow in origin but medieval use as a defended farmstead holding of a minor knight can not be excluded.