Scheduled Monuments- Full Report
Summary Description of a Scheduled Monument
Reference Number
PE232
Name
Castell Mael
Date of Designation
07/02/1951
Status
Designated
Location
Unitary Authority
Pembrokeshire
Community
Puncheston
Easting
200976
Northing
229754
Broad Class
Defence
Site Type
Ringwork
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 well preserved castle-ringwork, which dates to the medieval period (c. AD 1066 - 1485). Castell Mael is situated on an inland promontory where north, east and south the land slopes steeply down to streams 20m below the site. North and west the land is fairly level and these sides are defended by a single bank and ditch. The bank survives to an internal height of 2.7m and externally to 2.8m.The interior area is sub-circular and measures c. 60m by c. 80m. The site may have had its origins as an Iron Age defended enclosure.
The monument is of national importance for its potential to enhance our knowledge of medieval settlement, organisation and defence. The site forms an important element within the wider medieval landscape. It is well preserved and retains considerable archaeological potential. There is a strong probability of the presence of evidence relating to chronology, layout, 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.