Could the Newtown Mound be protected?

The historical importance of Newtown Mound, and the challenges of protecting it, will be discussed by town councillors next week.

A detailed report for Newtown and Llanllwchaiarn Town Council’s Economy and Environment Committee highlights recent archaeological excavations and sets out concerns over continuing damage to the Scheduled Monument.

The investigations, carried out with Heneb and Cadw, uncovered evidence dating back to the 13th and 14th centuries, through to the English Civil War and later Georgian and Victorian activity.

A 10 metre wide ditch excavated in April was confirmed as “defensive in nature,” with pottery from the 15th century recovered. According to the report: “The construction seems indicative of the sort of works carried out by the Mortimers in the 13th century and the bank and ditch are medieval. It will be considered for Scheduling by Cadw giving it statutory protection as it could be deemed nationally important.”

Further excavations revealed traces of Civil War defences, along with ceramics from the medieval period and possible hearths or ovens. The report notes: “The top of the motte showed signs of Civil War refortification, and several ceramics finds from the medieval period confirmed the archaeological significance of the mound.”

But alongside the discoveries are renewed concerns over public access. The site has been scarred for decades by cycle tracks, and despite restoration work after the excavations, recent inspections found fresh damage caused by youngsters digging bike ramps. The report warns: “How we stop future damage is part of the Brilliant Basics scheme; the short term is fencing the site off completely which stops the public being able to access the site, the long term is an element of education via the local schools to inform the youngsters that as a Scheduled Monument they are facing prosecution for doing so.”

It stresses that heritage crime can carry serious penalties: “A conviction can be punishable by a fine and in the case of intentional or reckless damage or destruction can also result in imprisonment.”

Despite the challenges, the investigations also demonstrated the mound’s potential as a heritage and visitor attraction. Hundreds of people visited during the digs, with a school day organised for pupils and a joint public event at Oriel Davies Gallery.

The report concludes: “There is certainly an appetite for future projects and more to discover to add to the town’s history providing local knowledge and visitor information. An element of education for the younger generations of the town is required to change attitudes to damaging monuments, which could be the basis of future outreach projects.”

The Economy and Environment Committee will consider the report at its meeting next week.