Canolfan Owain Glyndwr CentreCYMRAEG  
 

Owain Glyndŵr's Wales

Sycharth


Sycharth has traditionally been described as one of Owain Glyndŵr’s two principal courts, along with Glyndyfrdwy. It is situated in the community of Llansilin and the county of Powys, 0.3km from the present English border. It is a Scheduled Ancient Monument whose Motte-and-bailey castle suggests a Norman military presence here at the beginning of the 12th century. The motte is circular with a level summit and a slight central depression. To the south-west is a kidney-shaped bailey; at its foot, and again to the south-west is Bryn Derw, a farm-house which may contain some 18th century fabric. To the west the Afon Cynllaith flows past the site.

Sycharth is the subject of a praise poem by Iolo Goch written before the beginning of the revolt. The poem not only refers to Glyndŵr’s generosity as host in the traditional manner but also identifies the Anglo-Norman and continental European inspiration for the architecture. He refers to a ‘Tower of St Patrick’s’, which historian Dafydd Johnston suggests is St Patrick’s cathedral, Dublin; Minot’s tower of c. 1370; a ‘Cloister of Westminster’; and ‘splendid shops full of fine merchandise/Full and fair, like London’s Cheapside.’

Prince Hal (the future Henry V) describes how he and his forces arrived at ‘Saghern’, which he describes as well built (bien edifie) before burning down ‘the whole place and several other houses near it belonging to Glyndŵr’s tenants (einz nous fismes ardre toute la place, et plusieurs autres maisons la entour de ses tenantz). Prince Hal, who had had ample opportunity to see well-constructed buildings, was clearly impressed by the standard of workmanship, and this description of the burning suggests that it was a complex of some size with what were evidently dependent houses nearby.

Sycharth, an easy drive away from its sister site Glyndyfrdwy and a little to the south of the village of Hanmer. The substantial motte and bailey can be seen from the B4580 that leads from Lansilin and it can be appreciated from this spot. It is an easy journey from Oswestry and Welshpool and the A483.

The motte and bailey at Sycharth
Image © Copyright Jeremy Bolwell and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence
Although only earthworks remain, they are impressive. There is a special ambience to the site due to its remote rural location and Iolo Goch’s contemporary poem goes a long way to bringing Sycharth to life. There is an interpretation panel near the stile into the site which outlines its history and displays an extract from the Iolo Goch poem. It also contains a visual reconstruction of a similar motte and bailey by Douglas Hague and an aerial photo of the site together with images of the tokens/seal found at Harlech Castle. Several footpaths lead to the site, offering walking opportunities and it is easy to gain access from the nearby road. The current permitted open access arrangements mean that visitors can wander freely across the site and the planned car park will provide a focus for visitor welcome and introduction.




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The Centre is sponsored by CADW and the Welsh Assembly Government