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Latitude: 51.6135 / 51°36'48"N
Longitude: -3.781 / 3°46'51"W
OS Eastings: 276781
OS Northings: 192024
OS Grid: SS767920
Mapcode National: GBR H3.9KPT
Mapcode Global: VH5GV.FP0Y
Entry Name: Cwm-Clais Castle Mound
Scheduled Date:
Source: Cadw
Source ID: 2273
Cadw Legacy ID: GM289
Schedule Class: Defence
Category: Motte
Period: Medieval
County: Neath Port Talbot (Castell-nedd Port Talbot)
Community: Cwmavon (Cwmafan)
Traditional County: Glamorgan
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.
Source: Cadw
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