Castell Cawr facts for kids
Castell Cawr, also known locally as Tan-y-Gopa, is a beautiful, heavily forested hill found above the town of Abergele in Conwy county borough, Wales. It's a special place because it's home to an ancient Iron Age hillfort, also called Castell Cawr. This fort looks out over the River Clwyd. The hill is also a home for rare lesser horseshoe bats, which live in its caves. The woods on the hill are cared for by the Woodland Trust. The hill itself rises to 189 metres (620 feet) above sea level, offering amazing views of Snowdonia and the Clwydian Range.
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What is Castell Cawr?
Castell Cawr is more than just a hill; it's a place with a long history and important nature. It stands tall near Abergele, giving people a great spot to explore and learn about the past.
The Ancient Hillfort
At the top of Castell Cawr, you'll find the remains of an Iron Age hillfort. An Iron Age hillfort was like a fortified village or town built on a hill. People lived inside its walls for protection, especially during times of conflict. The people who lived here long ago chose this spot because it offered natural protection and a clear view of the surrounding land.
Nature and Wildlife
The forests of Castell Cawr are a haven for wildlife. One of the most interesting creatures living here is the rare lesser horseshoe bat. These small bats make their homes in the caves found on the hill. The Woodland Trust helps to protect these woods and all the animals that live there.
A Look Back in Time
People have been interested in Castell Cawr for a long time. Historians and explorers have visited the hill to study its ancient features and learn about its past.
Early Discoveries
In the 1700s, a famous Welsh traveler named Thomas Pennant visited the area. He noticed the old hillfort and wrote about it. Later, in 1860, another writer named James Halliwell-Phillipps also explored the hill. He found that the old fort's shape was hard to see because of all the plants growing over it.
The Roman Mine
James Halliwell-Phillipps also found signs of an old Roman lead mine on the hillside. The Romans were known for their mining skills, and they often looked for valuable metals like lead. The local Welsh people had their own name for these old mine workings: "Ffos-y-bleiddiaid," which means "Ditch of the Wolves." This name gives us a hint about how wild and untamed the area might have been long ago.
