Lower Min y Llyn Motte

Castell Min y Llyn Isa stands on a low mound in a field near Aberriw, Powys. It is a simple earth-and-stone motte built in the 12th century without the usual surrounding bailey. The Normans introduced this style of fortress from France, and Welsh lords soon copied it across the borderlands. The site is one of many mottes scattered through the Welsh Marches. Cadw recognises it as a scheduled ancient monument, numbered MG130. The largest concentration of such mottes in Britain lies between Shropshire, Cheshire, Herefordshire, Powys and Flintshire. Visitors reach the grassy mound by a farm track. The top is flat and bare, offering wide views over rolling countryside. A shallow ditch marks the old defences. The absence of stone walls lets the shape of the motte speak for itself.