Plas Cadwgan Mound

Also known as, or recorded in historical documents as; Cadwgan Hall Mound

In the community of Esclusham. In the historic county of Denbighshire (Modern authority of Wrexham, preserved county of Clwyd).

This site was rejected as a castle by Hogg and King. In CA King writes "Likely to be natural, or possibly a barrow." Scheduled as a Motte. The CPAT record reads "Large mound situated at North edge of knoll about 42m in diameter 2.5m high. Offa's Dyke adjacent to west. Possibly natural. A hoard of armour is traditionally said to have been dug from it. An association with the Dyke is possible. A large earthen mound (5.5m high, 50m dia), apparently the result of excavating material between its west side and the bank of Offa's Dyke, creating a hollow between them. There is no trace of an encircling ditch. On the S and SE sides it has been cut back and its original form can not be seen. It has a flat top. Relationship between the mound and the Medieval structures at Plas Cadwgan is uncertain. Possible that Plas Cadwgan may have occupied the bailey if this was a Medieval motte. It does not resemble a burial mound or a windmill mound." Position, on the English side, where a stream and road cross the Dyke, a similar situation to some other mottes on the Dyke. Presumably the lack of encircling ditch was King's reason for dismissing the site but seems a likely motte to me.

This site is a scheduled monument protected by law.

The Ordnance Survey Map Grid Reference is SJ29844876

Air Photo from Air Photo and general mapping	1st edition OS Map from Mid to late 19th century maps
Modern Map from Landscape form and features	Modern Map from General location and route planning
Geograph British Isles occasionally has photos of the site and will usually give an idea of the surrounding landscape.

Sources of information, references and further reading

This site's National Monument Record (Coflein) number is 275759
This site's County Historic Environment Record (formerly Sites and Monuments Record) number is 101151 'grey' literature, such as watching brief reports, held by H.E.R.s is often poorly referenced and is unlikely to be recorded in this website.

• Books
  • Morgan, Gerald, 2008, Castles in Wales: A Handbook (Talybont: Y Lolfa Cyf.) p253 [listed as possible]
    King, D.J.C., 1983, Castellarium Anglicanum (London: Kraus) Vol1 p106
    RCAHMW, 1914, An inventory of the Ancient Monuments of Denbighshire (HMSO) p56 no178
• Journal Articles
  • Hogg, A.H.A. and King, D.J.C., 1970, 'Castles in Wales and the Marches (Additions and corrections to lists published in 1963 and 1967)' Archaeologia Cambrensis Vol119 p119-124 [reject]