Castell Cilgethin

Castell Cilgethin stands in the rolling countryside of Monmouthshire, near the village of Llanofer. It is a simple earth-and-stone mound, built in the 12th century without the usual surrounding defensive wall. The Normans introduced this style of fortification from France, and Welsh princes soon adopted it across the Welsh Marches. The site is recognised by Cadw, Wales’ historic environment service, under the reference MM082. These small mounds, called motte-and-bailey castles, were common across the borderlands between England and Wales. The largest concentration of such sites lies in the historic counties of Shropshire, Cheshire, Herefordshire, Powys and Flintshire. Visitors find a grassy mound rising gently from the fields, with faint traces of the original ditch that once surrounded it. The name ‘Cilgethin’ means ‘small thorny place’, hinting at the thorn bushes that once grew there. The view stretches over the peaceful Monnow valley, offering a quiet reminder of a turbulent past.