A roughly circular tree-grown castle mound measuring 35m in diameter and and about 6m high. The top of the mound, diameter 20m, is marked by a wide circular depression 2.5m deep. Traces of the bailey survive on the east where it was defended by a ditch and an outer bank.
There is some dispute about whether this motte represents a Welsh or a Norman castle. Historical opinion, including Dr Roger Turvey, favours a Welsh origin with the castle being built to mark and defend the southern approach to Cantref Bychan from Norman-controlled lands of Gwyr (Gower) and Cydweli (Kidwelly) to the south.
T. Driver, RCAHMW.
Resources
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application/pdfDAT - Dyfed Archaeological Trust ReportsArchaeological Evaluation Report on 'Tir-y-dail Motte, Ammanford, July 2010'. Prepared by