Hendom Mound, Corwen

Has been described as a Questionable Timber Castle (Motte)

There are earthwork remains

NameHendom Mound, Corwen
Alternative Names
Historic CountryMerioneth
Modern AuthorityDenbighshire
1974 AuthorityClwyd
CommunityCorwen

Damaged motte, probable predecessor to Rug. (King, 1983)

A large mound 34m diameter 4m in height irregular in shape and cut into on east side by a cottage. The mound is probably natural and of a glacial origin. Large mound, apparently natural. Certainly not a round barrow. The only archaeological possibility is a motte (CPAT site visit 4/12/98). Considered by Spurgeon to be a motte with no trace of a bailey (Manley, J, Grenter, S & Gale, F, 1991, pp171).' (Clwyd Powys Archaeological Trust HER)

A rather irregular, near circular mound set on the brink of the escarpment above the Dee. It has been variously identified as a prehistoric cairn or barrow, and as a medieval castle mount. The mound is about 34m across and 4.0m high, with an irregular summit. There are no good indications of a ditch and a possible kerb ring has not been confirmed. It has been variously quarried and otherwise mutilated. This is probably a natural feature, although it could have been adapted as a funerary monument or as a castle site. A castle mound lies about 1.0km to the west (NPRN 300518). (Coflein)

Gatehouse Comments

Midway between Llangollan and Corwen and some distance from Rug. In the narrow, u-shaped, valley of the River Dee and able to control the road, although this is true of any point in this narrow valley. If this was a motte, which is questionable, it would most likely be a predecessor to Owain Glyndwr's Mount, itself a predecessor to the Owain Glyndwrs House moated site. Whilst it is questionable there was a fortification here it does seem likely this mound could have been used, as it still is, as a building platform for a medieval residence of lower status.

- Philip Davis

Not scheduled

Not Listed

The National Monument Record (Coflein) number(s)
County Historic Environment Record
OS Map Grid ReferenceSJ135429
Latitude52.97705078125
Longitude-3.28866004943848
Eastings313570
Northings342980
HyperLink HyperLink HyperLink

Castlefacts3