consist of a gateway flanked by two massive rounders, portions of the curtain walls, and of a tower which appears to have commanded an ancient passage across the river Neth[1].
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A. Principal Entrance. portcullised. B. Tower, supposed to have commanded an ancient ford or bridge. C. Supposed to be a modern wall.
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D. Portion of the ancient wall. E. Ancient wall, faced with modern work. F. Supposed Sally port, or second entrance.
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The annexed plan, for the use of which we are indebted to the kindness of Mr. Francis, shews the general arrangement of the works, which were of no considerable extent. The principal bailey consisted of an area of irregular form, measuring in diameter about 85 feet in either direction. The remains of this structure, although less important than some of the fortresses of South Wales, may be examined, as likewise the ruins of the adjoining abbey, with no ordinary interest, on account of the curious record of the architect employed by the founder, as preserved in the Myvyrian Archæology. Richard de Granavilla, one of the twelve Norman knights who accompanied Fitz-hamon, assisting him in the
- ↑ Representations of the castle, as also of Neath abbey, as they appeared about 1725, have been preserved amongst Buck's Views. A view of the castle gateway is given by Woolnoth, in his work on the Castles of England and Wales.
