Tomen yr Allt, Medieval castle mound in Llanfyllin, Wales
Tomen yr Allt is a medieval defensive mound near Llanfyllin in Wales. The earthwork rises about 10 meters with a central platform roughly 13 by 10 meters, and is surrounded by a circular ditch system that includes a double protective feature on the northeastern side.
The site served as the administrative center of Mechain Uwch Coed until around 1160, when the region came under the control of the principality of Powys Wenwynwyn. This shift marked a significant change in local power and governance structures.
The name comes from Welsh words meaning mound on the wooded hillside, reflecting how the landscape shaped its identity. Today, visitors can see how the location on sloping terrain influenced the mound's construction and defensive design.
The mound sits on sloping ground and is accessible on foot, though there are no facilities at the site itself. Wear sturdy shoes as the terrain can be muddy or slippery depending on recent weather.
Excavations in 1978 uncovered fragments of daub that reveal wooden structures once stood on top of the mound. These findings show how medieval occupants actually lived and organized their defensive settlement.
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