Maes-treylow Discoed

Possible Roman Fort

This suspected fort was discovered in the late-1960’s on Maes-Treylow farm, Discoed, about 2¾ miles (c.4.4 km) west-north-west of Presteigne (Llanandras) in Powys (old Radnorshire). The buildings of Maes-Treylow and the cross-roads on the B.4357 overlie the western part of the site, which lies at the mouth of a small tributary valley of the River Lugg, only ¼-mile (c.0.4 km) west of Offa’s Dyke, the earthen barrier constructed by the Mercian king Offa during the 790’s A.D. to keep out the Wealas, the descendants of the Romano-British.

Only part of the fort’s perimeter is known; the entire eastern side, 455 feet long, the north-east and south-east corner-angles, and 305 feet of the north side, may be traced in fields to east of the cross-roads, and the location of much of the southern defences, although much damaged by the insertion of a modern drainage leat, can be followed, but the farm and its out-buildings has completely destroyed the western defences. The traceable defences define an area of at least 3¼ acres.

The site most likely represents a Roman turf and timber fort of slightly more than 4 acres (c.1.6 ha). It should be pointed out, however, that the fort is not marked on any maps of the area produced by the Ordnance Survey. As the discovery report in the J.R.S. concludes, “excavation is needed to settle the matter.”

References for Maes-treylow Discoed

  • Air Reconnaissance in Britain, 1965-1968 by J.K. St. Joseph in J.R.S. lix (1969) p.121;

Map References for Maes-treylow Discoed

NGRef: SO2665 OSMap: LR148

OS National Grid Reference: SO268653
Dimensions: 455 x 305+ ft (c.139 x 93+m)
Area: c.4 acres (c.1.6 ha)

Roman Roads near Maes-treylow Discoed

None identified

Sites near Maes-treylow Discoed