Llanidloes Castle

Powys, Mid-Wales (SN 954 844)

copyright © by Daniel Mersey

The motte dates from 1280, when Owain de la Pole was granted a charter for a market at Llanidloes.  The town was laid out with a rectilinear plan, alongside the Severn.  The palisade walls were completed with a motte forming the south side (town walls could often be defended by a strong fortification - ie Caernarvon). The motte is 30m across and 3m high, with an oval bailey 60m x 50m, now obscured underneath a health centre.  Nearby streams indicate that the town ditch may have been waterfilled.

Daniel Mersey


  • More articles by Dan Mersey
  • Return to Castle Index, Castle Database, or Castle Location Maps
  • Return to main castle page menu