Twmbarlwm facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Twmbarlwm |
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Twmbarlwm
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 419 m (1,375 ft) |
| Prominence | 48 m (157 ft) |
| Geography | |
 Twmbarlwm
Location in Wales
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| OS grid | ST242926 |
| Topo map | OS Landranger 171 |
Twmbarlwm is a famous hill in South Wales. People also call it Twm Barlwm or Twyn Barlwm. Locals sometimes call it "the Twmp" (which means hump) or "the Pimple." These names come from the mound at its very top.
This well-known landmark is located about 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) northeast of Risca. Twmbarlwm is 419 meters (1,375 feet) high. Even though some people call it a mountain, it's actually a hill because it's under 600 meters (about 2,000 feet) tall. From its top, you can see amazing views. You can look across the M4 area, over cities like Newport and Cwmbran, and even out to the Bristol Channel.
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The History of Twmbarlwm
Twmbarlwm has a long and interesting past. Many years ago, people built important structures on its summit. These old remains tell us stories about the people who lived here a very long time ago.
Ancient Hill Fort Builders
At the very top of Twmbarlwm, you can still see parts of an old hillfort. A hillfort was like a fortified village built on a hill. Experts believe this one was made during the Iron Age. The Iron Age was a time in history when people started using iron tools.
The Silures tribe likely built this hillfort. The Silures were a group of Celtic people. They lived in this area before and during the time of the Romans. These ancient remains are why local people sometimes call the hill "The Tump."
Later Castles and Protection
After the Iron Age, the Romans might have used Twmbarlwm as a signal point. This means they could have sent messages from the top of the hill. Later, a large Norman castle was built there. This was a "motte-and-bailey castle." This type of castle had a big mound (the motte) with a tower on top, and a walled area (the bailey) below. This Norman castle was probably built early in the Norman period.
Today, the entire area of Twmbarlwm is a "scheduled monument." This means it's a very important historical site. It is protected by law so that its history can be preserved for everyone to learn about.
Pictures of Twmbarlwm
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Twmbarlwm seen from Llanfrechfa
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View from Twmbarlwm over Cwmbran
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View over the Bristol Channel with the Severn motorway bridges in the distance
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View from Twmbarlwm looking out over the Bristol Channel towards England
