GM289

Cwm-Clais Castle Mound  

 

Designated  

Neath Port Talbot  

Cwmavon  

276781  

192024  

Defence  

Motte  

Medieval  

The following provides a general description of the Scheduled Ancient Monument. The monument comprises the remains of a motte and ditch, dating to the medieval period (c. 1066 -1540 AD). A motte is a large conical or pyramidal mound of soil and/or stone, usually surrounded by either a wet or dry ditch, and surmounted by a tower constructed of timber or stone. Cwm-clais occupies a commanding position at the end of a spur above the Nant Cwm-Clais valley. The motte measures approximately 4.5-5m high and 15m in diameter at the top. Surrounding the motte is a shallow ditch which is not very pronounced on the north-east and east sides. The monument is of national importance for its potential to enhance our knowledge of medieval defensive practices. The monument is well-preserved and an important relic of the medieval landscape. It retains significant archaeological potential, with a strong probability of the presence of both structural evidence and intact associated deposits. The scheduled area comprises the remains described and areas around them within which related evidence may be expected to survive.