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Hen Gwrt Moated Site: Medieval Manor and Hunting Lodge

Explore Hen Gwrt, a tranquil medieval moated site revealing centuries of Welsh ecclesiastical heritage and manorial life.

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Hen Gwrt Moated Site in Llantilio Crossenny near Abergavenny is a well-preserved medieval moated enclosure dating back to the 13th and 14th centuries. Originally part of the bishops of Llandaff's estate, it later served as a hunting lodge. The site features a square-sided moat surrounding the remains of a large manor house, offering a glimpse into medieval defensive architecture and manorial life in Wales.

A brief summary to Hen Gwrt Moated Site

  • Abergavenny, Llantilio Crossenny, GB
  • Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
  • Free
  • Environment icon Outdoor
  • Mobile reception: 3 out of 5
  • Monday 10 am-4 pm
  • Tuesday 10 am-4 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-4 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-4 pm
  • Friday 10 am-4 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-4 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-4 pm

Local tips

  • Visit during daylight hours between 10am and 4pm for the best visibility of the moat and earthworks.
  • Wear sturdy footwear as the site is primarily an outdoor earthwork with uneven terrain.
  • Bring a camera to capture the atmospheric moat and surrounding rural landscape.
  • Combine your visit with nearby historical sites in Monmouthshire for a full medieval heritage experience.
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Getting There

  • Car

    Driving from Abergavenny to Hen Gwrt takes approximately 20-30 minutes via local roads. Parking is limited near the site, so plan to park in nearby village areas and walk the remaining distance. No parking fees apply.

  • Bus

    Local bus services connect Abergavenny with Llantilio Crossenny, with a journey time of around 40-50 minutes. Service frequency is limited, so check timetables in advance. From the village, a 15-minute walk on rural paths leads to the site.

  • Walking

    For adventurous walkers, a scenic 2-3 hour hike from Abergavenny through countryside trails offers an immersive experience. Terrain is uneven and may be muddy in wet conditions, so suitable footwear is essential.

Hen Gwrt Moated Site location weather suitability

  • Weather icon Any Weather
  • Weather icon Clear Skies
  • Weather icon Rain / Wet Weather
  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures

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Discover more about Hen Gwrt Moated Site

Medieval Origins and Ecclesiastical Ownership

Hen Gwrt, meaning 'The Old Court,' is a Scheduled Ancient Monument located in the Welsh borderlands near Abergavenny. The site dates primarily from the 13th and 14th centuries when it likely served as a manorial residence belonging to the bishops of Llandaff. This ecclesiastical connection highlights the importance of the site within the medieval church’s territorial holdings, reflecting the power and influence wielded by religious authorities in the region during the Middle Ages.

Architectural Features and Defensive Design

The defining characteristic of Hen Gwrt is its well-preserved square-sided moat, a typical feature of Anglo-Norman moated sites. These moats were not designed to withstand large-scale military attacks but rather to deter opportunistic raids and cattle rustling common in the turbulent borderlands. Within the enclosure, archaeological evidence suggests the presence of a large hall house and ancillary structures, forming the core of a self-sufficient manorial estate. The moat’s dimensions and construction demonstrate medieval engineering skills aimed at combining domestic comfort with basic defense.

Transition to a Hunting Lodge

By the 16th century, Hen Gwrt transitioned from a manorial home to a hunting lodge, reflecting changing land use and social practices. The site’s location amidst woodlands and game-rich areas made it ideal for hunting activities favored by the gentry and ecclesiastical elites. This evolution illustrates the adaptive reuse of medieval estates as political and economic circumstances shifted in post-medieval Wales.

Historical Associations and Local Legends

Local tradition associates Hen Gwrt with notable historical figures such as Dafydd Gam, a Welsh nobleman and supporter of King Henry V, famed for his opposition to Owain Glyndŵr. While direct evidence linking Gam to Hen Gwrt is limited, these stories enrich the site’s cultural significance, embedding it within the broader narrative of Welsh medieval history and legend.

Preservation and Visitor Experience

As a Scheduled Ancient Monument, Hen Gwrt is legally protected, ensuring its preservation for future generations. Visitors can explore the tranquil earthworks and moat, which provide a tangible connection to medieval life and landscape management. The peaceful rural setting enhances the contemplative atmosphere, inviting reflection on the site's layered history and its role within the medieval Welsh borderlands.

Archaeological Insights and Regional Context

Hen Gwrt is part of a wider network of moated sites constructed during the Anglo-Norman colonization of Wales and Ireland. These sites typically housed minor lords or tenant farmers and served as focal points for agricultural estates. Excavations at similar sites reveal features such as pottery kilns, rubbish pits, and metalled pathways, indicating a vibrant domestic economy. Hen Gwrt’s preservation contributes valuable insights into medieval settlement patterns, defensive strategies, and ecclesiastical landholding in the region.

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