Castell Taliorum, Llanhilleth

Also known as, or recorded in historical documents as; Castell Taliurum; Llanhithel; Castell Hithell

In the community of Llanhilleth. In the historic county of Monmouthshire (Modern authority of Blaenau Gwent, preserved county of Gwent).

A record of 1233 records Llywelyn the Great burnt "the castrum called Castell Hithell" this may refer to either castle at Llanhilleth. Excavation, 1924-5 revealed two masonry structures, presumably towers: a complex cruciform structure, c.22m NW-SE and NE-SW, whose site produced much dressed stone, including elements of round-headed arches, a newel stair and in-situ embrassures; c.7.0m to the E a circular structure, c.16m in diameter, defined by externally battered walls c.4.0m wide, apparently largely clay-bonded, a central feature was thought to be a pier-base implying a vaulted superstructure, dressed stone was rare, but included elements of a newel stair. Associated ceramics are thought to have been C14 and later, demolition levels being associated with C17 material. The seemingly differing construction of the two towers may suggest that the circular structure is earlier, possibly C13. For some reason King described this site as two separate towers; did he feel these towers were occupied at different times.

The Ordnance Survey Map Grid Reference is SO21800199

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 91965
Further information may be available from the holder of the county Historic Environment Record. In particular '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, or elsewhere.

• Web site links
  • http://www.castlewales.com/llanhil.html
    http://www.blaenau-gwent.gov.uk/The%20Council/Departments/Community_Services/Leisure%20&%20Amenities/heritage/Medieval/llancastle.htm
• Books
  • Morgan, Gerald, 2008, Castles in Wales: A Handbook (Talybont: Y Lolfa Cyf.) p242 [listed]
    Pettifer, Adrian, 2000, Welsh Castles, A Guide by Counties (Boydell Press) p146
    Salter, Mike, 1991, The Castles of Gwent, Glamorgan and Gower (Malvern) p21
    King, D.J.C., 1983, Castellarium Anglicanum (London: Kraus) Vol1 p285
    Renn, D.F., 1973 (2edn), Norman Castles of Britain (John Baker)
    Bailey, H.W., 1957, History of the Parish of Llanhilleth
    Jones. T., 1952, Brut y Tywysogion: Peniarth MS 20 Version. (Cardiff: University of Wales Press) p4, 135
    Rees, W., 1948, South Wales and the Border in the 14th Century
    Bradney, J.A., 1904-33, History of Monmouthshire Vol1 p463
    Coxe, W., 1801, An Historical Tour in Monmouthshire, Vol2 (repr. 1995 Merton Priory Press) p253
• Journal Articles
  • Hogg, A.H.A. and King, D.J.C., 1967, 'Masonry castles in Wales and the Marches: a list' Archaeologia Cambrensis Vol116 p71-132
    Hogg, A.H.A. and King, D.J.C., 1963, 'Early castles in Wales and the Marches: a preliminary list' Archaeologia Cambrensis Vol112 p77-124
    Renn, D.F., 1961, 'The round keeps of the Brecon region' Archaeologia Cambrensis Vol110 p129-143
    Lewis, 1925, 'Excavations at St. Illtyds, Monmouthshire' Archaeologia Cambrensis Vol80 p372-80
    Lewis, 1924, 'Excavations at St. Illtyds, Monmouthshire' Archaeologia Cambrensis Vol79 p385-8