Twthill: The Norman Motte of Rhuddlan's Early Castle

Origins of Twthill and Its Strategic Importance

Twthill stands on a prominent riverside escarpment near Rhuddlan, marking the site of an early Norman motte-and-bailey castle erected in 1073 by Robert of Rhuddlan, a Norman lord and kinsman of Hugh d’Avranches, Earl of Chester. Before the Norman conquest, the site served as a royal court for the kings of Gwynedd, notably Gruffydd ap Llywelyn, who used Rhuddlan as a base in the mid-11th century. The Norman castle was built to consolidate their control over North Wales following William the Conqueror’s victory in 1066 and to establish a military stronghold in the region.

Architectural Features and Remains

The castle at Twthill was constructed in the classic motte-and-bailey style, featuring a large earthen mound (the motte) topped by timber fortifications and surrounded by a protective bailey enclosure. Today, the timber structures have long vanished, but the earthworks remain impressively intact. The motte rises prominently above the surrounding fields, and traces of the bailey’s outline can still be discerned nearby. These remnants provide a tangible sense of medieval defensive design and the early Norman military presence in Wales.

Historical Significance in Welsh-Norman Conflict

Twthill played a crucial role during the turbulent 11th and 12th centuries as a contested border fortress between Welsh princes and Norman lords. It served as Robert of Rhuddlan’s base from which he extended Norman influence over Gwynedd. The site witnessed numerous conflicts, including Welsh attempts to reclaim territory and Norman efforts to maintain dominance. Notably, after the 1277 war, Llywelyn ap Gruffydd made his submission to King Edward I at the old castle site before Edward replaced it with the stone Rhuddlan Castle nearby.

Visitor Experience and Surrounding Landscape

Today, Twthill offers visitors a quiet, evocative setting to explore the origins of Norman power in North Wales. The grassy motte invites exploration and provides excellent views over the River Clwyd and the town of Rhuddlan. The site’s open fields and visible earthworks allow visitors to imagine the castle’s former scale and strategic position. Interpretive signage helps contextualize the site’s history, enriching the experience for those interested in medieval military architecture and Welsh history.

Preservation and Access

Twthill is managed as a historic landmark with efforts to preserve its earthworks and natural environment. Access is via a footpath leading to the site, which is open year-round. The terrain is mostly grassy and uneven, suitable for casual walking but requiring some care. There are no visitor facilities on site, so preparation is advised. Its proximity to Rhuddlan Castle makes Twthill a complementary stop for those exploring the rich medieval heritage of the area.

Legacy and Cultural Context

As the precursor to the grander stone Rhuddlan Castle, Twthill represents the early phase of Norman colonization and fortification in Wales. It stands as a symbol of the shifting power dynamics between Welsh princes and Norman-English rulers. The site’s enduring earthworks connect modern visitors to the complex history of conquest, resistance, and cultural change that shaped medieval Wales.