New Radnor Castle - a substantial Motte and Bailey Castle in the Welsh Marches

Описание: The Motte and Bailey castle at New Radnor in Powys (formerly Radnorshire) is of inordinate size. The motte (or mound) itself is scarped from a pre-existing feature in the landscape and is thought to have its origins in a castle built by the de Braose family in c.1095. The castle's location, in the Welsh Marches and near to Offa's Dyke, highlights why it was built where it was: an assertion of English (or Norman) power in a rebellious border region.

The top of the motte shows signs of extensive masonry features (now buried) and it is clear that there was once a significant, if compact, castle on its summit. This may have resembled an enhanced shell-keep but would also have included a range of domestic buildings within it.

The town below the castle was built as appellant to it and still retains its mediaeval street plan and accompanying earthworks. The castle and town were taken by Owain Glyndwr in 1401; although recaptured by the English in 1402, the castle and borough appear then to have entered into substantial decline.

Leland, writing in the sixteenth century, reported the castle as being in ruin. When the town lost its administrative court to nearby Presteigne, its fate seemed sealed and today New Radnor shows little sign of its former elevated status.

I really recommend a visit; it is an atmospheric place in a wonderful landscape.