Twmpath Motte

Twmpath Motte stands on the southern slope of Wenallt Hill near Rhiwbina in Cardiff, Wales. It is a medieval earthwork castle known in Welsh as Caer Cynwrig. The name Twmpath means a hump in Welsh, describing its shape. The site was originally a Welsh fortification before the Normans captured it in the 11th century. It became one of eight small earth and timber castles defending the newly conquered town of Cardiff. These fortifications included Caerau Hillfort and Castell Coch. The motte is about 7.6 metres high and 40 metres around, with a flat top 52 metres in diameter. A ditch surrounds it, varying from 3.3 to 3.9 metres deep and 13 to 16 metres wide. Cadw recognises its national importance for understanding medieval defensive practices. The monument remains well preserved and holds significant archaeological potential. Legends say it was built for Iestyn ap Gwrgan, Lord of Glamorgan, or piled by the Devil. Visitors find an overgrown mound rising above the hillside. The flat summit offers views over the surrounding landscape. The ditch and earthworks are still visible, marking the site’s medieval origins. The area remains quiet and natural, with little modern disturbance. It provides a tangible link to the region’s Norman and Welsh past. The site is recognised as an important relic of the medieval landscape.