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Castell Du Castle Mound is a medieval motte situated in Wales and protected by Cadw under reference CM114. The mound stands upon bedrock of Ashgill Rocks, undifferentiated strata of mudstone, siltstone and sandstone that formed during the Ashgill period. This geological foundation of fine-grained sediments would have presented particular challenges for medieval builders seeking to create a stable platform for a timber or stone fortification.
The motte represents the characteristic Norman form of castle that proliferated across Wales during the medieval period. Such earthwork fortifications typically comprised a raised mound surrounded by a ditch, frequently accompanied by a bailey or outer enclosure. These structures served as administrative centres and military strongholds, facilitating Norman control of conquered Welsh territories.
The survival of Castell Du as an earthwork monument allows study of medieval military architecture and settlement patterns in Wales. The mound's form and positioning reflect strategic considerations of the period, whilst its preservation enables future archaeological investigation. As a protected monument under Cadw's guardianship, Castell Du contributes to understanding the extensive network of castles that shaped medieval Welsh landscapes.
Castell Du Castle Mound is a scheduled monument protected by Cadw under reference CM114. View the official record →
Castell Du Castle Mound is a medieval motte situated in Wales and protected by Cadw under reference CM114.
Castell Du Castle Mound dates from the medieval period, and is classified as a motte. It is one of over 32,000 scheduled monuments protected across the UK.
Castell Du Castle Mound is a Scheduled Ancient Monument, legally protected by Cadw — the body responsible for designating and safeguarding heritage sites in Wales. The official designation reference is CM114.
Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Crug Gwyn Round Barrow (4.2 km), Crug Fach Round Barrow (4.9 km), Cross-Incised Stone in Churchyard (5.4 km).
This page is just one thread. A full Aubrey report pulls together 13 strands of Castell Du Castle Mound's history, each drawn from the record and mapped to the exact spot:
Every location is different. Not every section appears for every place, only what the historical record actually holds turns up in a report.
Castell Du Castle Mound stands on Ashgill Rocks (Undifferentiated), bedrock that formed in the Ashgill. The rock here is mudstone, siltstone and sandstone.