Welshpool is in the early stages of renovating a 900-year old Motte and Bailey castle site which has lay hidden for centuries under thick undergrowth next to the by-pass.
The Motte and Bailey Castle, known locally as Domen Gastell, was built in the early Norman period of Britain and incorporates the town’s Crown Bowling Green across the road from Tesco.
But moves are afoot to turn the overgrown area into a prime tourist area in a bid to encourage motorists to pull off the by-pass and visit the town. Train tracks, last used in 1961 to transport animals to the Smithfield Market from Llanfair, could also be excavated to position a static steam train while a cafe could also open on the site.
It is a believed a fund of £200k is available and negotiations between the town council, Powys County Council and Welsh Government are ongoing with land owners.
“We are hoping this will be a major project for 2012,” said Town Clerk Robert Robinson. “It is in the very early stages but plans have been drawn up and include a walkway around the site. It would form an important part of the regeneration of Welshpool.”
Domen Gastell consisted of a large earth mound (the motte) which provided a high point on which to build a wooden or stone tower, and a surrounding banked and ditched enclosure (the bailey) which is a defended area that contained domestic and military buildings.
It is thought to have once been the nucleus of Welshpool and preceded Powis Castle which is 800 years old. Despite the encroachment of modern development on all sides, it has remained largely intact.