Castell Nadolig facts for kids
The Penbryn Spoons, found at the hillfort
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 Location in Ceredigion
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| Location | Near Aberporth, Wales |
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| Coordinates | 52°7′32″N 4°29′12″W / 52.12556°N 4.48667°W |
| Type | Hillfort |
| History | |
| Periods | Iron Age |
Castell Nadolig ("Christmas Castle") is an ancient hillfort from the British Iron Age. It is located in Ceredigion, Wales. You can find it about 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) east of Aberporth. It's also about 1.6 kilometers (1 mile) south of Penbryn. This site is a special "scheduled monument," meaning it's protected by law. Famous objects called the Penbryn Spoons were discovered here.
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Exploring Castell Nadolig
Castell Nadolig sits on a low hill. The A487 road runs right next to it on the south side. This road might have been an ancient pathway long ago.
What Does the Hillfort Look Like?
The fort has two round banks, one inside the other. The outer bank is about 230 meters (755 feet) from west to east. It's about 185 meters (607 feet) from north to south. This outer area covers about 3.8 hectares (9.4 acres). The inner bank is smaller, about 130 meters (426 feet) by 78 meters (256 feet). It encloses about 0.84 hectares (2.1 acres).
There's a wide space, about 60 meters (197 feet), between the two banks. This space likely helped defend the fort. It might have also been used to keep animals safe. The banks that are still standing are 2 to 3 meters (6.5 to 10 feet) high. They are 7 to 10 meters (23 to 33 feet) wide at their base. Today, they form parts of old field boundaries.
Water at the Fort
Near the inner bank on the southwest side, you can find a pool of water. This marks a spring that was carved into the rock. Other springs are also nearby in the fields. These water sources probably helped people decide to build the fort here.
Why is it Called "Christmas Castle"?
The name 'Kastell Yn Dolig' was first used for the fort in 1571 or 1572. Later, in 1594, it was called 'Castell Nadolig'. This means "Christmas Castle." No one knows for sure why it got this name.
The Mystery of the Penbryn Spoons
In 1829, a farmer made an exciting discovery at the hillfort. He found two bronze objects under a pile of stones. These objects are now known as the "Penbryn Spoons." In 1836, they were given to the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford, England.
What Were the Spoons Used For?
The spoons have special decorations on their short handles. Experts believe they were made between 50 BC and AD 100. One spoon has a small hole on its side. The other spoon has a cross carved into its bowl, dividing it into four parts.
People think these spoons might have been used to tell the future. Liquid could have been poured from the spoon with the hole onto the other spoon. About 25 similar spoons have been found. They are usually found in pairs in Britain, Ireland, and northern France.
