Approximate Location Map
Large Map »
Latitude: 52.7585 / 52°45'30"N
Longitude: -3.8808 / 3°52'50"W
OS Eastings: 273174
OS Northings: 319540
OS Grid: SH731195
Mapcode National: GBR 60.ZCRH
Mapcode Global: WH56H.CX7M
Plus Code: 9C4RQ459+CM
Entry Name: Cymmer Castle
Listing Date: 17 June 1966
Last Amended: 20 July 1995
Grade: II
Source: Cadw
Source ID: 4742
Building Class: Defence
Also known as: Cymmer Castle, Llanelltyd
ID on this website: 300004742
Location: Situated on a hill 2.5 km N of Dolgellau with commanding views towards Cader Idris and the Mawddach estuary; accessed across fields from a metalled lane leading E from Llanelltyd bridge ultimately to
County: Gwynedd
Community: Llanelltyd (Llanelltud)
Community: Llanelltyd
Locality: Cymmer Castle
Traditional County: Merionethshire
Tagged with: Castle Castle ruin Motte
The probable site of Cymer castle, which was built in 1116 by Uchdryd ap Edwin; this is the first recorded mention of a Welsh castle which has survived to the present day. The present building occupies a 4.5m high motte, the summit of which has a diameter of 13m. It is possible that it originated as a hunting lodge or observation platform for the later abbots of Cymer in whose former deer park it stands; apparently used in the C18 as a clandestine gaming house, it has long been ruinous.
Rubble-built gabled tower block originally of one-and-a-half storeys over a raised basement; squat chimney to N gable with weather-coursing. The N and E sides stand almost to full height, the remainder being ruinous. The N and S gables originally had a single large window opening to the main floor; the E and W sides had 2 such windows, the upper contained within a gabled dormer. There is a small angled fireplace in the NE cornerand what may have been a stair access in the SE corner. Decayed oak lintels survive to some openings including 2 basement lights. There is evidence for both interior and exterior render.
Scheduled Ancient Monument ME 150.
An imposing ruin on an important site, perhaps originally an early C16 lodge associated with Cymer abbey.
External links are from the relevant listing authority and, where applicable, Wikidata. Wikidata IDs may be related buildings as well as this specific building. If you want to add or update a link, you will need to do so by editing the Wikidata entry.
Other nearby listed buildings
