Bryn Amlwg Castle facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bryn Amlwg Castle |
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Anchor, Shropshire | |
![]() Earthworks of Bryn Amlwyg Castle
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Coordinates | 52°27′08″N 3°13′38″W / 52.4521°N 3.2272°W |
Type | Enclosure castle |
Site information | |
Condition | Earthworks remain |
Bryn Amlwg Castle (which means Castell Bryn Amlwg in Welsh) is an old castle site in Shropshire, England. It's very close to the border with Wales, near a small village called Anchor. This spot is between the towns of Newtown and Clun.
This castle was built in the 12th and 13th centuries, which means it's over 800 years old! It was an "enclosure castle," meaning it had strong walls that surrounded an area, often with towers and a gatehouse (a big entrance building). Today, you can only see the earthworks, which are the remains of the castle's foundations and ditches.
Contents
What Was Bryn Amlwg Castle?
Bryn Amlwg Castle was a type of castle known as an enclosure castle. This means it was built with strong walls that enclosed an area. Inside these walls, there would have been buildings for people to live and work.
Castle Features
- Walls: The castle had strong walls to protect it.
- Towers: There were likely towers along the walls, which helped defenders see enemies from far away.
- Gatehouse: This was the main entrance. It was usually very strong and hard to get through.
- Earthworks: Today, only the earthworks remain. These are the raised mounds and ditches that show where the castle once stood. They give us clues about its size and shape.
Where Is Bryn Amlwg Castle Located?
Bryn Amlwg Castle is in a very interesting spot. It's right near where three different areas meet: Shropshire, Montgomeryshire (in Wales), and Radnorshire (also in Wales). This meeting point is called a "tri-point."
A Borderland Castle
The castle's location was important because it was so close to the border between England and Wales. This area was often a place of conflict between the English and Welsh in medieval times. Castles like Bryn Amlwg were built to control the land and protect people.
- Rivers Nearby: The tri-point is where two small rivers, the Nant Rhydyfedw and the Nant Rhuddwr, join together.
- Westernmost Point: This area is also home to the most westerly (furthest west) point of Shropshire. It's a truly historic and scenic part of the country.