Bettws Cedewain Motte/ Caer Siac
Bettws Cedewain Motte/ Caer Siac The motte at Bettws Cedewain, known as Caer Siac, stands above the River Bechan and probably dates from the twelfth century. It occupies the end of a natural spur with steep sides and commands the small valley leading south towards Newtown. The site consists of a motte with a surrounding ditch and traces of outer banks. It is generally regarded as a probable timber castle, with no evidence that it was ever rebuilt in stone. Gatehouse records describe Caer Siac as an extensively mutilated motte, with earthworks damaged by later activity, but still clearly recognisable. The castle would have formed part of a line of minor strongpoints across Montgomeryshire used either by Norman lords or, at times, by native Welsh rulers to secure local routes and estates. Documentary references are minimal, which is typical for such small frontier castles. The motte is now tree covered and sits within agricultural land. Although the earthworks have suffered from erosion and later landscaping, the form of a classic motte with defensive ditch can still be identified, making it a useful example of a rural timber castle site in Powys. Alternate names: Caer Siac Motte, Cefn Ucheldre
Bettws Cedewain Motte/ Caer Siac
The motte at Bettws Cedewain, known as Caer Siac, stands above the River Bechan and probably dates from the twelfth century. It occupies the end of a natural spur with steep sides and commands the small valley leading south towards Newtown. The site consists of a motte with a surrounding ditch and traces of outer banks. It is generally regarded as a probable timber castle, with no evidence that it was ever rebuilt in stone. Gatehouse records describe Caer Siac as an extensively mutilated motte, with earthworks damaged by later activity, but still clearly recognisable. The castle would have formed part of a line of minor strongpoints across Montgomeryshire used either by Norman lords or, at times, by native Welsh rulers to secure local routes and estates. Documentary references are minimal, which is typical for such small frontier castles. The motte is now tree covered and sits within agricultural land. Although the earthworks have suffered from erosion and later landscaping, the form of a classic motte with defensive ditch can still be identified, making it a useful example of a rural timber castle site in Powys.