ARCHAEOLOGIA CAMBRENSIS Journal of the Cambrian Archaeological Association VOLUME 119 (1970)

SS 064978. Giraldus Cambrensis' birthplace (c 1164) was probably a palisaded earthwork, although the barrel-vaulted hall-block and separate squarish tower may be as early. A stone curtain was added c 1230 with round angle-towers having stairs in the inner wallface. When a gatehouse was built against the old tower, the flanking wall-walks were converted into fighting galleries. Other galleries were built over a latrine-block when the curtain wall was shortened, and an elaborate chapel built beside the hall-block in the later 13th century, the space between them being converted into a private suite. The height of the curtain was raised in several ways, in one place at least three times in succession. A Civil War braye and redan were built in front of the gatehouse, and large barns within and without the enclosure. The descent of the lordship is given in detail, and the strategic value of the site and the tactical value of the defences considered. D F R