19/05/2024
Analysing History, unravelling the mystery, based on a synopsis, is the name of the game for Tracks Through Time - with an aim to constantly offer up sensible suggestions, solutions & suppositions to a given conundrum.
A fact highlighted by a recent visit to a remote CADW site, located in the far western extremities of the Black Mountain range, within the BB National Park.
Carreg Cennan is a 13th century Castle, bulit on a cliff top, complete with its own subterranean cave. Access can only be made via a vaulted cliff edge gallery with steep steps down to the cave.The natural fissure is walled up & the cave runs deep into the hillside, some 60 yards, complete with its own natural water supply. But there has been much speculation as to its actual purpose over the centuries.
We know prehistoric remains have been found inside the cave, indicating an ancient burial site, beneath an ancient hill fort, predating the Castle here. Roman coins too, indicate their presence in the Demetae region also.
We know Carreg Cennen witnessed many feuds, battles & skirmishes, involving English & Welsh alike (including Owain Glyndwr himself) so it's use as both a weapon supply store &/or hiding place for both people & valuables is likely.
In the late middle ages, the Castle was used for law enforcement & criminals would be kept prisoner in the deep dark dungeon &/or executed- perhaps by being thrown off the steep high rising cliff into the deep ravine & River Cennan below.
Survivng pigeon holes in the outer wall indicate a dovecote and a place to keep meat, & perishable food stuffs fresh, as its function as an easily accessible water supply & no doubt, a beer cellar too! Well worth a visit, to find out for yourself 😀
