Scheduled Monuments- Full Report
Summary Description of a Scheduled Monument
Reference Number
BR080
Name
Great House Mound & Bailey Castle
Date of Designation
Status
Designated
Location
Unitary Authority
Powys
Community
Gwernyfed
Easting
317193
Northing
238067
Broad Class
Defence
Site Type
Motte and Bailey
Period
Medieval
Description
Summary Description and Reason for Designation
The following provides a general description of the Scheduled Ancient Monument.
The monument comprises the remains of a motte and bailey castle, a military stronghold built during the medieval period. The site is keyhole shaped in plan and located on the end of a small bluff which is surrounded on three sides by water meadows bordering the Afon Llynfi. The motte has a base diameter of 34m, is 6m high and has a flat summit 16m in diameter. The bailey lies to the E of the motte and measures 50m by 30m. It is separated from the motte by a the filled-in remains of a ditch, and is bounded by natural slopes to the N and S. An original causewayed entrance crosses the moat on the S side.
The monument is of national importance for its potential to enhance our knowledge of medieval defensive organisation. The well-preserved monument forms an important element within the wider medieval context and the structure itself may be expected to contain archaeological information relating to chronology, building techniques and functional detail.
The scheduled area comprises the remains described and areas around them within which related evidence may be expected to survive.