Caer Castell

Caer Castell Camp stands in Rumney, a suburb of Cardiff, Wales. It is a medieval motte-and-bailey castle, a scheduled monument of national importance. The site dates from the medieval period, between 1066 and 1540. Motte-and-bailey castles were early defensive structures built across Britain and Ireland. This example helps archaeologists understand how such castles functioned. The motte is about 45 metres wide at its base and rises about 9 metres. It sits within the grounds of St Illtyd’s Catholic High School. Some landscaping has taken place, but the site remains overgrown with trees, shrubs and brambles. The ditch that once surrounded the motte is still visible. Despite its small size, the structure is recognised for its historical value. Visitors can walk around the base of the motte and see the remains of the defensive ditch. The overgrown vegetation adds to the sense of age and seclusion. The site is quiet, with no modern intrusions. It offers a glimpse of how medieval landscapes looked. The motte itself is the main feature, standing as a quiet reminder of the past.