Vale of Montgomery

The Vale of Montgomery lies across the English-Welsh border, in north eastern Powys and western Salop, and occupies a natural basin, some 6km across, formed at the confluence of the Rivers Severn and Camlad.

Summary

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Ref number: HLW (P) 2

OS map: Landranger 126, 137

Unitary authority: Powys, South Shropshire

The area contained within this natural amphitheatre surrounding Montgomery presents ample evidence for the historical struggle for control of territory and communications which has so typified Welsh history. The landscape preserves remnants of fortification, boundaries, settlements and field systems from prehistory to the medieval period, reflecting the ebb and flow of conflicting claims to the land.

One of the main features in the landscape is Offa's Dyke which runs roughly north-south marking the western extent of the 8/9th centuries kingdom of Mercia. The Dyke remains fairly well-preserved at this point and is plainly visible as a linear spine crossing the valley floor, where, for about 3km, it forms the modern boundary between England and Wales.

A full published description for this landscape area is available as a pdf download within the Related Articles section below.

Principal area designations:

The area includes: Montgomery Castle Guardianship Site; Forden Gaer fort, Gaer Farm enclosure complex and sections of Offa's Dyke Scheduled Ancient Monuments; Churchstoke, Hyssington and Montgomery Conservation Areas.

Criteria: 3, 4

Contents and significance:

A natural valley basin lying astride the Welsh border to the east of the Montgomery Hills, with a high concentration of defensive works from the prehistoric to the medieval periods, providing ample evidence of the historical struggle for territory so typical of Welsh history.