Old Castle Llygod
Llygod Old Castle is the informal name for the medieval remains set within the impressive Iron Age hillfort of Caer Dynnaf, located on high ground south of Llanblethian. Although long assumed to be a ruined castle, the visible masonry is now interpreted as the fragmentary remains of a thirteenth century high status hall house positioned inside the prehistoric enclosure rather than a military fortress in its own right. The hillfort itself forms a dramatic setting. Caer Dynnaf consists of extensive Iron Age banks and ditches, enclosing a broad plateau with commanding views across the Vale of Glamorgan. The earthworks rise several metres high in places and demonstrate the scale of prehistoric occupation in the region. The medieval builders chose to construct their residence within these ancient defences, reusing the hillfort’s elevated and naturally protected position. The medieval structure survives as low standing stone walls outlining a rectangular building. The remains suggest a first floor hall house, possibly with service rooms below and a solar or chamber at one end. Although modest today, the building would have been a well appointed residence in the thirteenth century, probably belonging to a local landholder or minor lord. Whether the house had limited defensive features is uncertain, but it was not a castle in the conventional sense and lacked towers, curtain walls or a gatehouse. Its position within Caer Dynnaf may reflect a desire for status, visibility and inherited authority, using the monumental Iron Age enclosure as both a physical and symbolic framework for a medieval residence. It is also possible that the hillfort offered practical shelter for livestock and associated activities connected with the hall. The site is now recognised as an important link between prehistoric and medieval settlement, showing how later communities reoccupied and adapted earlier defended landscapes. The combination of Iron Age fortifications and medieval domestic masonry gives the site considerable archaeological interest. Caer Dynnaf, including the Llygod Old Castle remains, is a scheduled ancient monument. The interior is open grassland with public footpath access from both Cowbridge and Llanblethian. Visitors can explore the earthworks, walk the ramparts and view the medieval ruins while taking in the extensive panorama over the Vale. Alternate names: Llygod Old Castle, Caer Dynnaf, Old Castle of Llygod, Medieval Hall at Caer Dynnaf
Old Castle Llygod
Llygod Old Castle is the informal name for the medieval remains set within the impressive Iron Age hillfort of Caer Dynnaf, located on high ground south of Llanblethian. Although long assumed to be a ruined castle, the visible masonry is now interpreted as the fragmentary remains of a thirteenth century high status hall house positioned inside the prehistoric enclosure rather than a military fortress in its own right. The hillfort itself forms a dramatic setting. Caer Dynnaf consists of extensive Iron Age banks and ditches, enclosing a broad plateau with commanding views across the Vale of Glamorgan. The earthworks rise several metres high in places and demonstrate the scale of prehistoric occupation in the region. The medieval builders chose to construct their residence within these ancient defences, reusing the hillfort’s elevated and naturally protected position. The medieval structure survives as low standing stone walls outlining a rectangular building. The remains suggest a first floor hall house, possibly with service rooms below and a solar or chamber at one end. Although modest today, the building would have been a well appointed residence in the thirteenth century, probably belonging to a local landholder or minor lord. Whether the house had limited defensive features is uncertain, but it was not a castle in the conventional sense and lacked towers, curtain walls or a gatehouse. Its position within Caer Dynnaf may reflect a desire for status, visibility and inherited authority, using the monumental Iron Age enclosure as both a physical and symbolic framework for a medieval residence. It is also possible that the hillfort offered practical shelter for livestock and associated activities connected with the hall. The site is now recognised as an important link between prehistoric and medieval settlement, showing how later communities reoccupied and adapted earlier defended landscapes. The combination of Iron Age fortifications and medieval domestic masonry gives the site considerable archaeological interest. Caer Dynnaf, including the Llygod Old Castle remains, is a scheduled ancient monument. The interior is open grassland with public footpath access from both Cowbridge and Llanblethian. Visitors can explore the earthworks, walk the ramparts and view the medieval ruins while taking in the extensive panorama over the Vale.