MG117

Mound in Churchyard  

 

Designated  

Powys  

Castle Caereinion  

316353  

305522  

Defence  

Motte  

Medieval  

The following provides a general description of the scheduled monument. The monument comprises the remains of a motte, 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. The motte is located in the north angle of Castle Caereinion churchyard and measures c.14-16m in diameter and 3.0m high. The motte has been identified as the castle built by Madawc, prince of Powys in 1156 that was destroyed by 1167. The possible outline of an accompanying bailey outside the scheduled area fossilised in a series of yew tree-topped mounds and by the perimeter of the churchyard encloses an area of c.70m by 60m. 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.