Bishop's Moat Mound & Bailey Castle

Castell yr Esgob is a medieval mound and bailey castle near Yr Ystog in Powys. It stands on a grassy mound with the remains of earthworks and a ditch. The site dates from between 1000 and 1153, built during the Middle Ages. It is one of many such castles along the Welsh border known as the Marches. The castle overlooks farmland and distant hills, giving a quiet rural setting. The mound and bailey were recognised as an important historic site. Cadw, the historic environment service of Wales, keeps a record of it under SAM number MG092. It is part of the largest group of these earthwork castles in Britain. The area around it includes parts of Shropshire, Cheshire, Herefordshire, Powys and Flintshire. These castles once helped control the border between Wales and England. Visitors find a low grassy mound with shallow earthworks and a surrounding ditch. The site is small and easy to explore on foot. There are no buildings left, only the shape of the old defences. The view from the top shows rolling fields and distant ridges. It is a peaceful place to walk and imagine how the castle once stood there.