Ystrad Peithyll
Ystrad Peithyll (also known as Stradpeithyll in the Brut y Tywysogion and Rhosgoch Motte) is the remains of a small 12th-century motte-and-bailey castle on the River Peithyll, near Penrhyn-coch in northern Ceredigion, Wales. The castle was attacked and destroyed by followers of Gruffydd ap Rhys in the early 12th century.
Geography[edit]
Ystrad Peithyll Castle is located in the community of Trefeurig, northern Ceredigion, Wales.[1] The structure is listed in the Brut y Tywysogion.[1]
The mound on which the castle was situated measures around 20 metres (66 ft) in diameter with sides around 3.6 metres (12 ft) high. The mound is surrounded by a ditch, up to 15 metres (49 ft) wide in places. The Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales notes the possible presence of a counterscarp on the lower ground.[1]
History[edit]
Ystrad Peithyll Castle was built in the wake of the Norman occupation of Wales under Henry I.[2] It was inhabited by a steward named Razo (also referred to as Razon or Ralf), under the command of Gilbert Fitz Richard who had been named Lord of Cardigan in 1110.[1] The castle was one of several fortifications attacked in the rebellion led by Gruffydd ap Rhys (1113 or 1116).[2][3] The structure was surrounded by enemy forces before being overrun. Many of the inhabitants were killed and the castle itself was set on fire and largely destroyed.[4]
Razo himself was at another castle in his possession at the time, Ystrad Antarron, and Gruffydd ap Rhys subsequently turned his attention to there after sacking Ystrad Peithyll.[5]
References[edit]
- ^ a b c d Wiles, John (29 August 2007). "Castell Ystrad Peithyll; Stradpeithyll; Rhosgoch Motte". Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales. Retrieved 30 November 2009.
- ^ a b Williams, Stephen W. (1889). The Cistercian Abbey of Strata Florida: Its History, and an Account of the Recent Excavations Made on Its Site. London: Whiting & Co. p. 26. Retrieved 30 November 2009.
- ^ Jones, John (1824). The History of Wales. p. 68.
ystrad peithyll.
- ^ "Ystrad Peithyll, 1166". Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales. Retrieved 9 March 2020.
- ^ Morillo, Steven. "Expecting Cowardice: Medieval Battle Tactics Reconsidered". Cambridge University Press. Retrieved 9 March 2020.