Rudbaxton Motte

Rudbaxton, Pembrokeshire, Wales
OS SM98541886

Rudbaxton Motte

After the 11th century Norman invasion of southern Pembrokeshire a number of Baronial districts were established and a series of earthwork castles were quickly erected. The knights who owed allegiance to the Barony of Dungleddy built minor castles in their own manors (Knight’s Fiefs) to keep control of their seized lands.

One of the knights built his earth and timber castle in Rudepaceston (now known as Rudbaxton). In the early 12th century the castle was held by Adam Rudepec which may have given rise to the castle's name - Rudepec's fortified farm.

The remains of the castle are slight. A damaged circular motte around 10 feet high with a summit diameter of 45 feet is now contained within the farmyard of Great Rudbaxton farm. The remains of an encircling ditch can be seen to the east of the motte, and all is covered in choking undergrowth. There is no trace of a bailey although the modern farm immediately to the west of the motte may have been built over it.

The ancient parish church of St Michael's stands on lower ground 50 yards to the north west of the motte, above the valley of the Western Cleddau river (2nd photo below).

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