CM086

Parc-y-Domen  

20/09/1949  

Designated  

Carmarthenshire  

Cenarth  

226919  

241419  

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. Parc y Domen is situated c 100m south-west of St Llawddog's Church, Cenarth on the south side of the river where it was presumably constructed to cover the crossing . It will have originated in the late 11th century - early 12th century, following the penetration after 1093 of Roger Montgomery and his Norman army as far as Cardigan. The motte is about 5m high and is 15m in diameter across on the top with a ditch of c 6m width traceable on all sides except the west. 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.